Masculinity in Laura and Vertigo

Both Vertigo and Laura raise the idea of masculinity, and it's place and role in society and character. The relationships in both films, particularly those between the male protagonists and women, highlight the differing ideas of masculinity. The character of Scottie in Vertigo highlights how relationship with women can greatly effect the idea of masculinity, whereas this is reversed in Laura, when the title character Laura shows how she greatly changes the concept of masculinity through three differing male characters.

The relationship between detective John, or Scottie, Ferguson and his friend Midge Wood is one of the more interesting looks at male and female identities in the film. Robin Wood points out that the scenes in which both Scottie and Midge are both present place a strong emphasis in their communication difficulties. (Wood, 1989) Midge seems to treat Scottie more as a mother than as a friend. Whether this is in an attempt to ease the pressure off Scottie with his vertigo, she constantly talks down to him. This is highlighted when Midge attempts to explain her bra to him, telling Scottie that "You know about these things. You're a big boy now." Scottie recognises this relationship, going as far as to tell Midge "Don't be so motherly." (Modleski, 1988) Another scene in which these two appear is when John attempts to overcome his vertigo by climbing a stepladder. This scene also highlights the mother-son relationship these two seem to have, as Midge warns Scottie while getting the ladder for him at the same time. While Scottie is climbing the ladder, he looks out the window and falls into vertigo again, dropping towards Midge. Here, Midge looks on with concern at John, and seems to hold him in a way very similar to the way a mother would hold her child. (Modleski, 1988) This motherly relationship is greatly emphasised when Scottie is taken to the hospital after his nervous breakdown, with Midge telling him "Mother is here." The issue of masculinity is