The Mind of Alfred Hitchcock - Pure Cinema & Creating Suspense

I decided to do some research on the iconic filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, because Hitchcock is well known for his thriller films, therefore this will help me with learning about how to create an effective short thriller film. 

(Calderon, 2016)

I began by watching this documentary:

PURE CINEMA: Through the Eyes of Hitchcock (25 min) Directed by Gary Leva from Gary Leva on Vimeo.

This documentary included multiple definitions of 'Pure Cinema', from seasoned filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Guillermo Del Toro, and more:

"Experiencing the world through what we see and what we hear in film."

"Using strictly visual means to convey emotions in a shot or sequence."
 
"Communicating through pictures."
 
"Vertigo’s chase sequence."
 
"Something that you cannot do on a stage, radio, or any other medium that is not a screen."
 
"Using all your film ‘tools’ to get an emotional response."
 
"Being able to understand a movie without sound."

Some key film techniques mentioned in this documentary that define Hitchcock's style included:

• Long duration shots

• Combination of musical notes 

• Two shot

• Quick, abrupt, cuts meant to evoke shock/surprise

• Low key lighting

• Point of View shots

• Close Up shots

• Unconventional framing

Afterwards, I analysed how Hitchcock creates suspense in his movies.

Bibliography 

• Calderon, C.D., 2016. Alfred Hitchcock, A Continuing Wonder in Film. [online] The Egalitarian. Available at: <https://hccegalitarian.com/4693/culture/alfred-hitchcock-a-continuing-wonder-in-film/> [Accessed 15 Nov. 2021].