Alfred Hitchcock The Master of Suspense

Hitchcock is known for: Carefully crafted film shots using camera angles that enhance audience suspense The use of a “MacGuffin” in each of his films (the ruse for the action in the film—usually the crime at the center of the storyline) Wealthy characters for whom money is seldom an issue Appearing in a “cameo” shot in each of his films

Characters in Hitchcock Films: Tall, dark-haired leading men (James Stewart, Cary Grant, James Mason) Slender, blonde-haired leading women (Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Tippi Hedren)

Clothing in Hitchcock Films: Leading characters almost always wear designer clothing, often designed by Edith Head (one of Hollywood’s greatest wardrobe designers) Hitchcock personally explained what the clothing for each character (in each scene) should look like Hitchcock often zooms in on leading ladies’ shoes

Suspense Techniques: Making the “ordinary” appear menacing Creating a “tension” in the audience as each portion of the storyline unfolds

Suspense, According to Hitchcock: “Suppose a group of men are seated around a table and a bomb suddenly goes off. There is surprise, but no suspense. Suppose, however, that as the director, you let the audience know that a bomb is under the table and the men are seated around it, inanely talking to one another, completely oblivious to the danger. That is suspense.”

Some Famous Hitchcock Films: Rear Window North by Northwest Psycho Vertigo The 39 Steps To Catch a Thief Notorious The Birds Marnie The Man Who Knew Too Much Rope