Alfred Hitchcock, the ‘Master of Suspense,’ left an enduring mark on the film industry. His psychological thrillers, like Psycho, The Birds, and Rear Window, captivated audiences and cemented his legacy. He meticulously ensured his films were experienced as intended, even dictating when viewers could enter the theater. Let’s delve into ten remarkable images that highlight the uniqueness of this cinematic genius.
Fearsome Focus
“The only way to get rid of my fears is to make films about them.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Despite being known for evoking fear in audiences, Hitchcock harbored several phobias himself. While his fear of the police stemmed from childhood punishment, his fear of eggs was more peculiar.
“I’m frightened of eggs,” Hitchcock once said. “That white round thing without any holes… have you ever seen anything more revolting than an egg yolk breaking and spilling its yellow liquid?” This image captures Hitchcock’s intense focus early in his career, hinting at the dark brilliance to come.
Go Big
“There is nothing to winning, really. That is, if you happen to be blessed with a keen eye, an agile mind, and no scruples whatsoever.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Rear Window, considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces, was filmed entirely on one set – the largest indoor set ever built at Paramount Studios. This set featured an extensive drainage system to accommodate the rain sequence, showcasing Hitchcock’s grand vision and attention to detail.
Haha, Hitchcock
“For me, suspense doesn’t have any value if it’s not balanced by humor.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock masterfully blended humor with suspense, using quirky characters, ironic situations, and whimsical settings. His ability to balance laughter and tension kept audiences captivated. Many filmmakers who try to emulate Hitchcock often miss this crucial element of wit amidst the horror.
Larger Than Life
“Revenge is sweet and not fattening.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock’s presence was as substantial as his movie sets. In the late 1930s, he weighed over 300 pounds. This image, taken on the set of Shadow of a Doubt in 1942, shows his imposing figure, reflecting his significant influence on cinema.
Come On Closer
“Some of our most exquisite murders have been domestic, performed with tenderness in simple, homey places like the kitchen table.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Dial M For Murder stands out as Hitchcock’s only film entirely shot in 3-D. To enhance the 3-D effect, he commissioned oversized props, including a four-foot-tall telephone and a giant fake finger, for dramatic close-up shots. The film exemplifies his innovative techniques and attention to visual detail.
Blonde Ambition
“Blondes make the best victims. They’re like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock had a well-documented preference for blonde heroines, believing they created a greater shock when engaging in deceitful or unexpected behavior. His famous blondes included Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, and Tippi Hendren. Hendren, however, had a different perspective, describing him as a sexual predator with a “very weird attitude towards women.”
Hands On
“I never said all actors are cattle; what I said was all actors should be treated like cattle.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Kent Jones’ documentary, Hitchcock/Truffaut, revealed interviews where Hitchcock described actors as cattle, emphasizing his hands-on approach. This image shows Hitchcock directing Janet Leigh, highlighting his meticulous control and artistic vision.
Murderous Mischief
“The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Strangers on a Train is celebrated for its suspenseful storytelling and Hitchcock’s skillful use of mischief. The carousel scene was particularly dangerous to film, requiring an operator to crawl beneath the whirling carousel. Hitchcock noted that a slight miscalculation would have turned the suspense film into a horror film.
Game Changer
“I have a perfect cure for a sore throat: cut it.” – Alfred Hitchcock
The shower scene in Psycho is iconic and central to the film. Alexandre O. Philippe’s documentary, 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, explores the scene in depth, noting its revolutionary impact. The 45-second scene required 78 camera setups, 52 edits, and seven days of shooting, forever changing the landscape of cinematic suspense.
Creatures Great and Small
“Always make the audience suffer as much as possible.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Following Psycho, Hitchcock created The Birds, a technical marvel in the creature film genre. Animal trainer Ray Berwick trained 300 birds for the movie, employing various techniques under the supervision of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This image captures Hitchcock’s direction and the meticulous efforts behind this thrilling film.
These images offer a glimpse into the unique mind of Alfred Hitchcock, highlighting his fears, humor, directorial style, and innovative filmmaking techniques. His contributions continue to influence cinema, ensuring his place as the ‘Master of Suspense.’
What’s your favorite Hitchcock film? Leave your comment below!
