Although Alfred Hitchcock is the most primitive of major directors, he belongs in their company. Those who emphasize his primitivism also dismiss his achievement, but his achievement is fundamental to the art of cinema—more specifically, to the art of using cinematic means for audience manipulation. (p. 295)
Most of Hitchcock's ideas about the real world are indistinguishable from the commonest pieties—which, of course, helps to explain his unique popular appeal. To begin with, he is discomforted by intellectuals. (pp. 295-96)
This is a free excerpt of 79 words. There are 1,177 words (approx.
4 pages at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our (Sir) Hitchcock, Alfred 1899–1980: Critical Essay by Charles Thomas Samuels Access Pass.
