Alfred Hitchcock, renowned as the “Master of Suspense,” achieved monumental success throughout his illustrious career, spanning several decades.
The legend transcended the traditional label of an “acclaimed filmmaker” and ascended to the status of a cultural icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema.
His influence on the film industry is nothing short of extraordinary, marking him as a pioneering figure whose contributions to the thriller and horror genres set new standards for suspenseful storytelling.
From his innovative thrillers in the early sound era, such as The 39 Steps and Rear Window, to his groundbreaking work in the horror genre exemplified by classics like Psycho, Hitchcock’s films have left an indelible mark on filmmakers and audiences alike.
Whether you are a seasoned aficionado of Hitchcock’s work or someone who has only dabbled in a few of his films, it is undeniable that his creations have had an overwhelming and lasting impact on modern cinema.
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Alfred Hitchcock was known for his cinematography. (Image: Getty)
Finding a contemporary director who has not been influenced by Hitchcock’s visionary style and storytelling prowess is a daunting task. Even filmmakers who may not cite Hitchcock as a direct inspiration often draw from a lineage of cinematic language that he helped establish.
In essence, Hitchcock’s films have produced a ripple effect throughout the filmmaking landscape, where his techniques and narrative styles continue to inspire and resonate in diverse ways. His ability to craft suspense and provoke thought has secured his legacy as a foundational figure in cinema, ensuring that his influence will endure for generations to come.
Alfred Hitchcock wanted to film at Mount Rushmore. (Image: Getty)
Despite his mammoth legacy as one of cinema’s greatest filmmakers, there were still certain scenes that Hitchcock found himself unable to shoot.
Not even his status in the industry would allow him to film a sequence that he had kept in his mind for years, waiting for the right time to bring it to life. Sadly for Hitchcock, he soon realised that there are some places that are just off-limits.
For years, he had dreamt of bringing Mount Rushmore to the big screen, one of the most famous American landmarks of all time, supposedly meant to represent freedom and liberty.
Hitchcock achieved his goal of including it in his film North By Northwest, but his original plans for the scene had to be changed when he failed to get permission for them.
Talking to Bryan Forbes, Hitchcock revealed, “In a picture like North by Northwest, I waited around 15 years to put Mount Rushmore on the screen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out. For example, the Department of Interiors step in and say, ‘You mustn’t have any character climbing over the faces of the presidents.’ You say, ‘Why not?’ They say, ‘Because this is the shrine of democracy. You must only have your characters climbing between the heads.’”
Unfortunately for Hitchcock, his fantastic idea to have “Cary Grant sliding down Lincoln’s nose and then hiding in the nostril, reduced to having a sneezing fit” could not come to fruition.
“I was never allowed to do it,” he explained, which left him feeling “defeated.”
He even had the title The Man on Lincoln’s Nose in mind for the film, which he inevitably had to change when he could not shoot Grant straddling the former president’s nostrils.