August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.
Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.
His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.
Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.
A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.
Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.
Film Title: FAMILY PLOT | 1976 | 120 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles
About the film: Family Plot is a 1976 American black comedy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock in his final directing role. It was based on Victor Canning's 1972 novel The Rainbird Pattern, which Ernest Lehman adapted for the screen. The film stars Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane; it was screened at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival but not entered the main competition.
The story involves two couples: a "fake" psychic and her cab-driving boyfriend and a pair of professional thieves and kidnappers. Their lives come into conflict because of a search for a missing heir. The film's title is a pun: "family plot" can refer to an area in a cemetery that one family has bought for the burial of its various relatives; in this case, it also means a dramatic plot line involving multiple family members.
Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!