Alfred Hitchcock is one of the best known filmmakers of all time. Known as the master of suspense and the creator of the thriller genre, Hitchcock combined wit with mystery and murder. Some of film fans favorite movie posters is the ones from the Alfred Hitchcock movies.

Biography

Born in 1899 in Leytonstone, England, Hitchcock was the youngest of three children. He described his childhood as being lonely and sheltered. He studied engineering and became a draftsman and advertising designer for a cable company. He became interested in photography and film production, and he started his filmmaking career in 1919 illustrating title cards for silent films. By the end of the 1930s, Hitchcock was one of the most famous filmmakers in England. His career spanned six decades, and he directed more than fifty feature films. A few months before his death, he was knighted. He died in 1980 at the age of eighty.

Greatest Collaborators

Alfred Hitchcock’s collaborators included many great performers and artisans. The “dream team” included:

• Actress Grace Kelly
• Actor James Stewart
• Cinematographer Robert Burks
• Screenwriter John Michael Hayes
• Designer Saul Bass

Iconic Movies

Certain movies come to mind as Hitchcock’s best works.

• Vertigo is a psychological thriller about a man who has lost his love to death. This movie is often considered one of the greatest films ever made.
• Psycho is a horror film about a man tortured by his past – and his mother.
• The Birds is a memorable film relaying the terrifying story of attacking birds.

Some of his lesser known films are also worth watching, although not necessarily considered masterpieces.

Cameos

Thirty-seven of Alfred Hitchcock’s films contain a cameo appearance by Hitchcock. His early appearances were subtle, and in them he was as easy to miss as an extra in a crowd. In later films, his appearances were more noticeable.

Hitchcock Wisdom

Hitchcock was known for his wit and wisdom. Here are a few of his best quotes:

“Someone once told me that every minute a murder occurs, so I don’t want to waste your time. I know you want to go back to work.”

“Always make the audience suffer as much as possible.”

“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.”

“Seeing a murder on TV can help work off one’s antagonisms. And if you haven’t any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some.”