Christopher Vogler The Writers Journey
in bed. Grant seems to walk on the ceiling. In the symbolic language of film the
shot expresses his change of position from playboy to Herald, and its disorienting
effect on the hero. Grant gives the Call, a patriotic invitation to infiltrate a Nazi spy
ring. As it is delivered, Grant is seen right side up and in full light for the first time,
representing the Call's sobering effect on Bergman's character.
As they talk, a crown-like, artificial hairpiece slides from Bergman's head,
showing that her fairy tale existence as a deluded, addicted princess must now come
to an end. Simultaneously on the soundtrack can be heard the distant call of a train
leaving town, suggesting the beginning of a long journey. In this sequence Hitchcock
has used every symbolic element at his command to signal that a major threshold of
change is approaching. T h e Call to Adventure is disorienting and distasteful to the
hero, but necessary for her growth.
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