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| Pixabay (Creative Commons). |
Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense and one of the most influential film directors ever, left an indelible mark on cinema history. His cinematic genius was combined with a number of personal quirks that make him an even more intriguing figure. Despite his great influence on cinema, Hitchcock never won an Oscar for Best Director during his career. However, in 1968, he received a well-deserved Academy Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema, an honor that was celebrated by the entire film industry.
1. Small cameos
Hitchcock became famous for appearing in small cameos in most of his films. These brief moments in front of the camera became a cinematic pastime for his fans, who eagerly awaited each new film to discover where and when the director would appear.
In each film, he would strive to find the most creative way to insert himself into the plot, which often resulted in comical or unusual situations. His on-screen presence became a hallmark and a source of entertainment for his audiences.
2. Egg phobia
One of Hitchcock's most notable quirks was his fear of eggs, known as ovophobia. This phobia influenced the way he filmed the iconic bird scene in his film "The Birds." Chaos breaks out on a farm full of birds and broken eggs, which could be interpreted as an expression of his personal fears.
His relationship with eggs also manifested itself in the way he interacted with the actors on set. During the filming of "The Birds," he allegedly had Tippi Hedren film the famous bird attack scene several times, throwing birds and egg-shaped pieces of cardboard at the actress, intensifying the tension and fear in the scene.
3. "Psycho"
The 1960 film "Psycho" is one of Hitchcock's most famous and is remembered for its chilling shower scene. The film pioneered the use of sound effects and editing to create a shocking murder sequence that remains a benchmark in thriller cinema.
The director also experimented with promoting the film, encouraging viewers not to go in to see it after it started, to maintain the surprise of the plot. This unusual marketing tactic contributed to the feeling of mystery and anticipation surrounding the film.
4. Meticulous planning
Hitchcock was known for his extremely meticulous planning before shooting a film. For him, the most tedious part of the filmmaking process was the filming itself, since he had envisioned the film in its entirety long before production began. This meticulous approach was reflected in the precision and quality of his movies.
Her meticulous storyboards of him were so detailed that some considered the film to be already finished on paper before arriving on set. This level of preparation allowed him to control every aspect of his films, from the actors' performances to the camera layout and music.
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| Alfred Hitchcock. Image: Pxfuel. Creative Commons. |
Relationship with psychology
5. Working with Actors
The director had a unique relationship with his actors. Sometimes, he would give them precise instructions on how to interpret a scene, controlling every gesture and facial expression. At other times, he allowed them greater creative freedom, encouraging their creativity and bringing authenticity to their performances. His collaborations with actors such as Cary Grant and James Stewart are legendary and resulted in memorable performances.
Hitchcock also used psychological techniques to achieve desired performances. For example, in "The Birds," he supposedly kept Tippi Hedren isolated from the birds for hours before filming the attack scene to heighten their authentic fear on screen.
6. "Rear Window"
In "Rear Window," he defied the norm by using a single location (the protagonist's apartment) throughout the film. This creative approach resulted in a surprisingly effective thriller, where the claustrophobia of space shared by the main character contributes significantly to the tension of the story.
The director built an impressive set that represented the main character's neighborhood, with windows that allowed a panoramic view of the lives of his neighbors.. This unique choice of setting became a visual metaphor for the act of looking and being looked at, a central theme of the film.
7. Fear of the Police
One of his most peculiar phobias was his irrational fear of the police. This fear originated from a childhood incident of his in which he was detained by a police officer as part of a cruel prank. This episode left a lasting mark on his psychology and, in some way, manifested itself in many of his films through plots related to law and crime.
He often portrayed the police as a powerful and inscrutable force, creating a sense of paranoia and oppression in his films. His personal fear of police authority influenced the construction of characters and plots in films such as "Death on His Heels" and "Frenzy."
8. Collaboration with Bernard Herrmann
Hitchcock collaborated on several occasions with composer Bernard Herrmann, whose music played a fundamental role in many of the director's most iconic films. Their collaboration resulted in memorable scores that heightened tension and suspense in films such as "Psycho" and "Vertigo."
Herrmann's music became an integral part of Hitchcock's films, masterfully setting the tone and atmosphere. The score for "Psycho" in particular, with its iconic and terrifying shower music, has become one of the most famous compositions in film history.
9. "Vertigo"
The film, which explores themes of obsession and personal transformation, continues to be the subject of analysis and debate due to its complex plot and its shocking ending. Despite not having been a commercial success at the time, "Vertigo" has been reevaluated and appreciated as one of the best films of Hitchcock and cinema in general.
10. Legendary figure
Alfred Hitchcock, with his creative genius and unusual quirks, remains a legendary figure in the world of cinema. His legacy lives on in the minds of cinephiles and directors around the world, and his films continue to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for generations to come.