(director)
(studio)
(length)
22 January 2013 (released)
22 January 2013
The Top Ten Facts You Need to know about Alfred Hitchcock
Having mastered the art of suspense on the silver screen, English film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock is best known as a pioneer in suspense and psychological thriller film.
Directing more than fifty films throughout his six decade career, Hitchcock’s distinctive directorial style is regarded as one of the best in history.
Since his death in 1980, the Hitchcock style continues to be adopted and evolved by many in the industry today. One such tribute is seen in upcoming film Hitchcock, which examines the director’s life during the making of controversial yet renowned horror film, Psycho.
As a tribute of our own, we present the top ten facts you need to know regarding cultural icon and greatest British filmmaker of all time, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock.
1. His film career began in England, where he directed films for several years, before moving to Hollywood in 1939. However, it was not until nearly twenty years later in 1956 that he became a United States citizen. Rebecca (1940) was his first Hollywood movie.
2. Despite being nominated Best Director several times, Hitchcock never won an Oscar. The Academy did award him the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his overall success in 1968.
3. Blackmail (1929) was the first talking film made in Britain.
4. ‘‘Drama is life with the dull bits left out,’’ said Hitchcock at the height of his career.
5. What would turn into a permanent fear of the police began when Hitchcock was sent to the police station as a young boy. According to Hitchcock, his father sent him with a note that requested he be locked up as punishment for bad behaviour.
6. Queen Elizabeth ‘‘knighted’’ Hitchcock shortly before his death in 1980.
7. Hitchcock was notorious for making cameos in almost all of his films. He had his daughter, Patricia, make appearances as well. One of Patricia’s most notable cameos was for her part of Caroline in fan favourite, Psycho.
8. Cameos were not the only time Hitchcock was seen on the big screen. Hitchcock starred as leading role as the host of his own weekly television show, Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The show was characterised by his ‘‘Good evening’’ greetings and dark humour.
9. In 1988, Hitchcock was honoured with his own 32 cent U.S. Postage stamp.
10. One would never find Hitchcock sitting among the audience at the theatre watching his films. When asked if he missed hearing the audience scream, Hitchcock replied, ‘‘No, I can hear them when I’m making the picture.’’
Be sure to catch the thrill and suspense when Hitchcock comes to cinemas 8 February.
