March 12 has been selected as the day we honor the Master of Suspense - Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hitchcock Day is a holiday in the category of Arts & Entertainment. On March 12 we celebrate the life, times and work of this master filmmaker.
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock
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| Alfred Hitchcock (Wikipedia) |
Hitchcock was an English film director who became one of the most influential figures in the world of cinema.
In a career that spanned six decades, Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still watched and well known today. Some of his most famous were Strangers on a Train, Dial M for Murder, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, North by Northwest, The Birds and Psycho. The actors in these, and other, Hitchcock films were some of the top names of the day, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman.
Hitchcock became as well known as any of his actors due to his cameo appearances in most of his films, his many interviews, and his television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Born in Essex (near East London), Alfred Hitchcock grew up in a rather austere and strict environment without much joy. He had no real friends and developed many fears over the years. Perhaps his background helped bring out the suspenseful and fearful ideas he had for his many films.
Hitchcock's favorite subject was geography and he loved maps and timetables of trains, trams and buses. He had a particular interest in London trams and, fans of Hitchcock films will note, a large percentage of his films included rail or tram scenes.
Alfred Hitchcock married Alma Reville, an English screenwriter, in 1926 and they had one daughter, Pat. Alma became his closest collaborator and wrote or co-wrote many of Hitchcock's films.
One of Hitchcock’s most famous movies was Psycho. The violence (shower scene) and the early death of the heroine by a disturbed murderer became the hallmarks of a new horror-film genre and became very popular with audiences.
Alfred Hitchcock’s films showed recurring themes and plot devices throughout his directing career. The "Hitchcockian" style included the use of "editing and camera movement to mimic a person's gaze, thereby turning viewers into voyeurs, and framing shots to maximise anxiety and fear."
Summary
Alfred Hitchcock received many awards for his work over the years, and frequent accolades. Life magazine called him the "greatest master of melodrama in screen history". The holiday of National Alfred Hitchcock Day celebrates this outstanding Master of Suspense.
Related Reviews:
- Alfred Hitchcock Suspense Films Collection Reviewed by Sylvestermouse Cynthia
For more Holiday Reviews, Check outReviewThisReviews: Holidays
A Few of the Many Favorite & Most Well-Known Hitchcock Films:
![The Birds [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Tm0vUCPUL._SL500_.jpg)
![Psycho (1960) - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51h5dQ+GC5L._SL500_.jpg)
![Rear Window - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SnZvqZvdS._SL500_.jpg)
*Review of the Holiday ‘National Alfred Hitchcock Day’ was written by Wednesday Elf.
I can watch and enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies, unlike most of the current day horror or suspense movies. Hitchcock was a singular talent in film-making that none have ever even approached, must less equaled. He was able to scare the wits out of viewers without grotesque scenes. He also used real actors, meaning people who knew how to act. The handsome Anthony Perkins became the image of a psycho and Janet Leigh was the epitome of someone terrified. Those two actors along with Hitchcock made quite an impressive film. Even the current generation knows what you are talking about when you reference the shower scene. Obviously, I think Hitchcock deserves a national day of recognition. btw, thank you for featuring my review here.
ReplyDeleteI could tell by your review of your collection of Alfred Hitchcock films that you were also a fan of his works. The actors he chose for his films were the most excellent ones of the time - Cary Grant and Grace Kelly especially. I agree that HItchcock deserves this day of recognition.
DeleteEven though I typically find suspense films impossible to tolerate, Hitchcock’s films stand alone in their depth of storyline and unmatched performances. I agree that this master of suspense is fully deserving of an eponymous holiday.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely does. Thanks for your visit, Margaret.
DeleteAlways enjoy a good Hitchcock movie!
ReplyDeleteThere's a day for everything lol. I remember my mom and her sisters loving Hitchcock movies. Mom and I would sit and watch a movie together too. Miss those days.
ReplyDeleteHe was the master of suspense for sure. Every time I see a flock of birds I can't help but think about the movie. It make me want to run and hide lol. It's funny how some movies have an impact on you. I didn't want to take a shower after watching Psycho.
ReplyDelete