A look at Alfred Hitchcock's films. The Master of Suspense himself, who is interviewed extensively here, shares stories including his deep-seated fear of policemen, elaborates on the difference between shock and suspense, defines the meaning of "MacGuffin," and discusses his use of storyboarding in designing a film. Clips from many of his greatest films (including "North by Northwest", "Shadow of a Doubt", "The Birds", and the legendary shower scene from "Psycho") illustrate his points, often to Hitchcock's own voice-over observations, with narrator Cliff Robertson offering other critical insights.
Acting
Hitchcock's deadpan delivery is its own performance art.
Direction
Schickel lets the master talk; Hitchcock directs even his own documentary.
Editing
Brilliant clip selection that proves his theories in real-time.
Director
Richard Schickel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Cliff Robertson recorded his narration without ever meeting Hitchcock; their 'conversations' were stitched entirely in post-production.
This 1973 special essentially invented the modern DVD commentary format—decades before anyone owned DVDs.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
