Today, Thursday, August 13, 2015, the film world is celebrating the birthday of one of its greatest directors: Alfred Hitchcock. To mark the occasion, and as part of your language study trip to the U.S., LEC takes a look back at the life and work of this giant of the silver screen.
Alfred Hitchcock: British or American?
Some of Her Majesty’s subjects are less than thrilled when Alfred Hitchcock is referred to as“American.” And for good reason: when he was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, he was, in fact, British. He wouldn’t obtain American citizenship until 1955—a fact you might boast about during your language study trip to the U. S.
Rebecca, premier film de sa période américaine
Né dans la banlieue nord-est de Londres, il est le fils d’un grossiste en volailles. Intéressé très jeune par l’art et le spectacle, il entame ce que les spécialistes ont baptisé sa « période britannique ». En 1925, le producteur Michael Balcon lui offre sa première chance de metteur en scène. Le résultat ? The Pleasure Garden. Son premier film américain, l’Anglais ne le réalisera qu’en 1940 : il s’agit de Rebecca, pour lequel il dirigera son compatriote Laurence Olivier.
From *Rear Window* to *Psycho*
As a director, screenwriter, and producer, Alfred Hitchcock quickly earned his reputation as the master of suspense and a leading figure in the thriller genre. Many of his films have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. Among them are:
- The 39 Steps
- The Crime Was Almost Perfect
- Window on the Courtyard
- Cold sweats
- The Man Who Would Be King
- Psychosis
- The Birds
Was Alfred Hitchcock prolific?
When Alfred Hitchcock passed away, he was 80 years old: it was April 29, 1980, in Los Angeles. Over the course of his nearly 60-year career, he directed no fewer than 53 feature films.