"There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it."
Alfred Hitchcock
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Alfred Hitchcock was a British filmmaker known for his mastery of suspense and psychological thrillers, with iconic works like 'Psycho' and 'The Birds'.
- Born
- August 13, 1899
- Died
- April 29, 1980
- Quotes
- 118
- Rank
- #382
About Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock — Life and Legacy
Alfred Hitchcock, a pivotal figure in cinema, is renowned for his innovative approach to suspense and psychological thrillers. His distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of human psychology, is evident in his landmark films such as 'Psycho' and 'Vertigo'. Hitchcock's core philosophy revolved around the manipulation of audience emotions, famously stating, 'There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.' This insight underscores his belief that suspense is far more effective than mere shock, as it engages viewers on a deeper emotional level. Hitchcock's work often explores themes of fear and control, challenging societal norms and the human psyche. In 'Rear Window', for example, he delves into voyeurism and the moral implications of watching others, revealing the tension between observer and observed. His characters frequently grapple with their own fears and desires, reflecting his understanding of the complexities of human nature. Today, Hitchcock's quotes and films continue to resonate, offering insights into the psychological intricacies of fear and the art of storytelling. His ability to create tension and evoke emotion has left an indelible mark on the film industry, influencing countless filmmakers and captivating audiences worldwide.
Quote collection
Alfred Hitchcock quotes (page 1 of 6)
118 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I have a feeling that inside you somewhere,there's somebody nobody knows about"
"There is something more important than logic: imagination"
"The ideal husband understands every word his wife doesn't say."
"Drama is life with the dull bits left out. There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it. I believe in putting the horror in the minds of the audience, and not necessarily on the screen. The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder."
"When we think we have been hurt by someone in the past, we build up defenses to protect ourselves from being hurt in the future. So the fearful past causes a fearful future and the past and future become one."
"In feature films the director is God; in documentary films God is the director."
"A good film is when the price of the dinner, the theatre admission and the babysitter were worth it."
"The more successful the villain, the more successful the picture."
"Fear isn't so difficult to understand. After all, weren't we all frightened as children? Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the big bad wolf. What frightens us today is exactly the same sort of thing that frightened us yesterday. It's just a different wolf. This fright complex is rooted in every individual."
"Film your murders like love scenes, and film your love scenes like murders."
"Mystery is an intellectual process... But suspense is essentially an emotional process."
"I have a perfect cure for a sore throat: cut it."
"Revenge is sweet and not fattening."
"To make a great film you need three things - the script, the script and the script."
"A woman, I always say, should be like a good suspense movie: The more left to the imagination, the more excitement there is. This should be her aim - to create suspense, to let a man discover things about her without her having to tell him."
"Always make the audience suffer as much as possible."
"A lot of movies are about life, mine are like a slice of cake."
"A glimpse into the world proves that horror is nothing other than reality."
"Disney has the best casting. If he doesn't like an actor he just tears him up."