August 13th, what other date could it be, marks the birthday of the iconic director Alfred Hitchcock, and in 2024, it will be 125 years since his birth. Hitchcock, or Hitch, is one of the most influential directors of all time in the History of Cinema, with his own visual and narrative style, with at least 5 simply perfect films to date.

The Master of Suspense today cannot escape a review of his personal life that puts him in an uncomfortable – and undeniable – position of cancellation, especially due to his obsession, mistreatment, and harassment of actress Tippi Hedren, but, still, a genius.

With a career in both British and American cinema, Alfred Hitchcock was especially known for his ability to create tension in his films. Born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, London, and died on April 29, 1980, in Los Angeles, he began his career in silent films in England before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. He directed more than 50 films throughout his career, notably:

Psycho (1960), considered his most iconic film, is known for its famous shower scene and its complex psychological plot full of twists and turns.

Rear Window (1954) – In my opinion, superior to Psycho, this is a psychological thriller that explores voyeurism and suspicion, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly.

Vertigo (1958) – His masterpiece and a profound study of obsession and identity, are often cited as one of the best films of all time.

North by Northwest (1959) – This one that I recently highlighted here on the blog is one of the best spy films ever made, full of action and famous for its chase scenes and suspense, with a perfect Cary Grant.

The Birds (1963) – A horror film that is an adaptation of a book by Daphne Du Marier that explores the unpredictable and threatening nature of seemingly ordinary birds. Unfortunately, it is also the film whose behind-the-scenes dealings were revealed as toxic, abusive, and even criminal towards its star, Tippi Hedren.

In fact, this revelation on her part is in line with the famous quote in which Hitch said that he only enjoyed the processes of writing scripts and creating storyboards, filming and editing interested him less, and what about the actors? It was like dealing with cattle.

His machismo, in line with the culture of the time, omitted his unhealthy obsession with what he called “cold blondes”, who were generally his leading ladies. That is why he was criticized years later for his treatment of the actresses he worked with because he had a reputation for being “controlling” and, in some cases, abusive. Tippi Hedren was the only one, however, who reported having been a victim of sexual harassment during the filming of The Birds and Marnie. I believe her.

Misogyny was his signature, in some way. Some critics point out that Hitchcock’s films often portray women negatively or stereotypically and that the female characters in his films are often victims or manipulated by men, which unfortunately makes his films dated and less appealing to modern female audiences.

And while we’re on the subject of criticism, it’s worth remembering that Hitchcock had a formula: he presented us with what he saw as the “McGuffin”, which motivated the drama but had little consequence for the audience. The protagonists pursued the McGuffin (the plan for an assassination attempt; a robbery) but what matters to the story is the journey and not the object or the event. Therefore, although Hitchcock is known for his ingenious plots and twists, some critics argue that he sometimes became predictable because, once you understand his formula, you can anticipate the events of his films. I disagree!

Those who argue that the psychological complexities he addressed were too simplistic also don’t seem fair to me. Some critics feel that his depictions of mental illness were too sensationalist, using psychology more as a plot device than as a true exploration of complex human issues. I think that’s what made him so brilliant.

To round out the complainers, some claim that Hitchcock, in his quest for style and technique, sometimes sacrificed the emotional depth and complexity of his characters to emphasize the image, making his films seem cold or distant. But again: nothing of the sort!

Known for his brief, low-key appearances in his own films, the director’s influence was also significant in television, and his work continues to be studied and admired by filmmakers and critics around the world.

Despite the criticisms mentioned here, it is undeniable that Hitchcock left a lasting legacy in cinema and influenced generations of filmmakers with his ability to tell stories and create tension. His films continue to be studied and appreciated for their innovation and cultural impact. A legend!

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