Alfred Hitchcock

Early Life

Alfred Hitchcock was a renowned British filmmaker. He was widely recognized as one of the most influential and innovative directors and producers in the history of cinema.

Hitchcock was born on 13 August 1899 in the flat above his parents’ leased greengrocer’s shop at 517 High Road in Leytonstone, which was then part of Essex (now on the outskirts of east London).

He was the son of greengrocer and poulterer, William Edgar Hitchcock (1862–1914) and Emma Jane (née Whelan; 1863–1942).

Hitchcock’s parents were Roman Catholic with English and Irish ancestry. Growing up, Hitchcock could recall getting locked away for 10 minutes by his father as a form of punishment for being badly behaved.

Childhood was quite traumatic for Hitchcock. Most of these ugly experiences were reflected in his films years later.

Education

Hitchcock started his educational journey at the Howrah House Convent in Poplar at the age of seven.

He also attended a convent school, the Wode Street School “for the daughters of gentlemen and little boys” run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus.

Hitchcock then attended a primary school near his home and was for a short time a boarder at Salesian College in Battersea.

For his college, Hitchcock was sent to St Ignatius College in Stamford Hill, a Jesuit grammar school with a reputation for discipline.

Hitchcock later left St Ignatius College to attend University of London where he studied arts.

Film Career

Hitchcock gained fame for his unparalleled expertise in creating suspenseful, psychological thrillers, and horror films, characterized by his unique visual style and employment of various cinematic techniques.

Hitchcock embarked on his film career during the era of silent movies in Britain. There, he directed several successful films, including “The Lodger,” “Blackmail,” and “The 39 Steps.”

In 1939, he made the move to Hollywood and eventually became a naturalized US citizen in 1955. Over the course of six decades, Hitchcock directed more than 50 feature films, many of which have attained the status of timeless classics and landmarks in the world of cinema.

Innovations and Techniques

Not only was Hitchcock an exceptional filmmaker, but he also pioneered numerous techniques and innovations in the industry. His contributions include the use of montage, parallel editing, subjective camera angles, and the popularization of the concept known as “macguffin.”

Additionally, his distinctive public persona and trademark profile silhouette made him an instantly recognizable figure in popular culture.

Awards and Recognition

Hitchcock’s remarkable talent and contributions to the film industry were widely acknowledged. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors and awards for his exemplary work.

In 1980, shortly before his passing at the age of 80, he was even bestowed with a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II as a testament to his extraordinary achievements.