Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Presenting: You Must Remember This - Alfred Hitchcock

33 snips
Apr 18, 2025
Explore Alfred Hitchcock's illustrious rise through iconic films and the challenges he faced as his confidence waned after 'Marnie.' Delve into his complex relationships with actors and the evolving film industry, as he struggled to adapt to new cinematic trends. Discover the darker themes in 'Frenzy' and the artistic decline during the turbulent 1970s, shaped by personal challenges and health issues. Reflect on the haunting legacy of a master creator grappling with the passage of time and innovation in film.
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INSIGHT

Peak and Turning Point

  • Hitchcock's peak decade featured Technicolor films and iconic casts but was ending as his stars aged or retired.
  • Psycho broke Hollywood taboos and was his last film to receive multiple Oscar nominations.
ANECDOTE

Hitchcock's Troubled Muse

  • Hitch cast Tippi Hedren in The Birds, shaping her into his object but harassing her, which hurt her career.
  • Casting unknowns was a statement of his own star power but The Birds underperformed compared to Psycho.
INSIGHT

Decline of Reputation

  • By the late 1960s, Hitchcock was considered old-fashioned and past his prime by critics despite his fame.
  • Marnie and his next films failed to maintain his earlier success or critical acclaim.
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