Alfred Hitchcock - the Master of Suspense
The master of suspense
Suspense is all about creating tension and anticipation. The reader knows something bad is going to happen, but not when or how. Alfred Hitchcock (AH) knew this only too well. He could make the audience hang by the seat of their pants by his iconic style of film making. Hitchcock made cameo appearances in 39 of his films. He often appeared in the background, sometimes as a passerby or in a photograph. The audience would get as delighted by trying to guess when and how he would appear but it was always AH who won. So what was he afraid of? He had a phobia of eggs (ovophobia) and described them as revolting and frightening. Despite his legendary status, Hitchcock never won an Academy Award for Best Director and never won the Oscar despite being nominated five time.
I present to you the trailer of the film The Birds (1963). I would love to see a director entice you to see a horror film the way Hitchcock does here.
He directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still widely watched and studied today. Known as the "Master of Suspense", Hitchcock became as well known as any of his actors thanks to his many interviews, his cameo appearances in most of his films, and his hosting and producing the television anthology Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–65).
Three must watch Hitchcock movies
Vertigo (1958): Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Vertigo explores themes of obsession, identity, and deception.
Rear Window (1954): This film is celebrated for its unique premise and masterful use of a single set. It tells the story of a photographer who believes he has witnessed a murder from his apartment window.
Psycho (1960): This film is perhaps Hitchcock’s most famous work, known for its shocking plot twists and the iconic shower scene. Chances are that you have watched this film.
My favorite AH film is The Birds.
Here is an interview with Alfred Hitchcock where he talks about his philosophy of film making. But then there is a story he narrates that will leave you reeling! It did that to me. The story is about a man whose car breaks down in the wilderness and he is forced to take shelter with a family for two days. The traveler is attracted to his host’s wife and daughter. And then when he is sleeping, there is a knock on the door. And no there is no murder or anything that you guess. I can tell you that I gasped when I heard the last line of the story. And I gasped again when I heard the last line of the interview.
Happy Halloween. If you want to truly celebrate the master of the genre, check out The Birds. You will always duck a little when you see the next one fly too close to you.
