Alfred Hitchcock Appreciation

I always loved cinema, especially since moving to Los Angeles almost ten years ago. Surrounded by movie industry types, I can prate for hours about movies, from cinematography, musical scores, and the art of directing.

After watching Season 1 of the Twilight Zone last week, I was inspired to watch Hitchcock’s best works. One of my actor friends (thank you, Johnny) highly recommended 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Notorious, Rear Window, Rebecca, Rope, and North by Northwest. I finished The Lady Vanishes, 39 Steps, and North by Northwest this week (all terrifically written and directed, by the way). I’ve watched Strangers on a Train (ironically on an airplane while talking to strangers nearby last year) Psycho, and Vertigo previously, but I know I still have a ways to go.

While researching about Hitchcock, I discovered a few interesting videos about him. One was produced and directed by Richard Schickel for PBS. Hitchcock shares stories including his fear of policemen, his humorous take on the meaning of MacGruffin, and discusses his use of editing and designing a film. Give it a see (although, warning, there are spoilers to several of his movies like Psycho, etc.).

I included below an 1966 interview on filmmaking, actors and improvisation, the Hitchcock-woman, suspense, etc. and a BBC documentary which focuses on the important parts of Hitchcock’s career. Enjoy and comment below with your favorite Hitchcock movie!