Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary figure in horror and suspense, is known not only for his chilling films but also for his memorable quotes that blend inspiration with a hint of eeriness. While he directed iconic movies like The Birds and Vertigo, he also had a knack for humor and a famously demanding nature with his actors. Here’s a collection of his quotes that reflect both his genius and his darker side.
- “Witnessing a murder on screen might help relieve some frustrations. And if you’re lacking any, the ads will certainly provide some.”
- “I’ve heard it said that a murder happens every minute, so let’s not waste time; I know you’re eager to get back to your work.”
- “Disney’s casting is unparalleled. If he dislikes an actor, he simply gets rid of them.”
- “The more compelling the villain, the greater the film’s success.”
- “In a truly great movie, the sound could be muted, and the audience would still grasp the story.”
- “The only way I can confront my fears is to create films about them.”
- “To me, cinema isn’t a reflection of life; it’s more like a delightful dessert.”
- “If a film is crafted well, the sound can be turned off, and viewers will still understand the narrative.”
- “Luck plays a vital role… My fortunate trait is being a deeply scared person. It’s good to be fearful; heroes can’t craft suspense.”
- “Deliver them enjoyment — the same joy they have when waking from a nightmare.”
- “Self-recycling is an art form.”
- “When an actor approaches me for character insights, I say, ‘It’s all in the script.’ If they ask about motivation, I reply, ‘Your paycheck.’”
- “Television is like indoor plumbing; it didn’t change habits, just kept people indoors.”
- “Some of the most exquisite murders occur at home, carried out with tenderness in familiar settings like the kitchen table.”
- “Dialogue should blend into the background; it should come from characters whose expressions convey the story visually.”
Related: Explore more about parenting with solid advice on starting solids here.
- “The real terror lies not in the noise but in the anticipation of it.”
- “A film’s duration should correspond with the human bladder’s endurance.”
- “Revenge is sweet and has no calories.”
- “Always ensure the audience endures as much discomfort as possible.”
- “On-screen murders are portrayed too cleanly; I aim to depict the messy reality of taking a life.”
- “Television has brought murder back into our homes, where it truly belongs.”
- “Many films depict life; mine are like slices of cake.”
- “I never claimed all actors are cattle; I merely suggested they should be treated as such.”
- “The paperback is fascinating but can’t replace the hardcover; it makes a poor doorstop.”
- “Television has greatly aided psychiatry by spreading knowledge and creating a greater demand for it.”
- “I have a foolproof remedy for a sore throat: just cut it.”
- “I’m filled with fears and strive to avoid complications. I prefer clarity and calm in my surroundings.”
- “What is drama but life with the dull moments edited out?”
- “Television is akin to an American toaster; push a button, and the same thing pops up time and again.”
- “Blondes make the ideal victims. Their innocent appearance highlights the bloody aftermath.”
- “I aim to provide beneficial shocks to the audience.”
- “I’m a director with a type. If I made Cinderella, viewers would be looking for a corpse in the carriage.”
- “A good film is when the cost of dinner, tickets, and the babysitter feels justified.”
- “In feature films, the director is akin to God; in documentaries, God is the director.”
- “This award is significant as it comes from my peers in the film industry.”
- “We seem to have this urge to bury time capsules, hoping to give future generations a glimpse of us.”
- “These are bagpipes. Legend has it the inventor was inspired when he saw a man with an asthmatic pig, and the sound never matched the pig’s purity.”
- “Nothing beats a burial at sea; it’s simple, neat, and not very incriminating.”
- “I’m easily scared; here’s my list of fear triggers: small children, policemen, heights, and the thought of my next film not being as good as the last.”
- “I’m not against the police; I just fear them.”
- “This paperback is intriguing, but it will never be a hardcover; it makes a terrible doorstop.”
- “Puns are the pinnacle of literature.”
- “Fear is quite understandable. After all, didn’t we all fear as children? What terrifies us now is just a new version of what scared us then.”
- “Ideas can spring from anything.”
- “There’s a clear distinction between suspense and surprise, yet many films confuse the two.”
- “If I can’t be myself, who will?”
- “I’ve never been fond of women who flaunt their femininity like trinkets. It’s more intriguing to discover it.”
- “As a writer, I’m naturally a suspect character.”
- “Seeing a murder on TV… can help relieve one’s frustrations. And if you’re out of frustrations, the commercials will surely provide.”
- “I can’t read fiction without picturing every scene. It turns into a series of images rather than a book.”
- “There’s someone inside you that nobody knows.”
- “A glimpse into the world reveals that horror is merely reality.”
- “We seem to feel compelled to bury time capsules to show future generations what we are like. I’ve prepared my own; it’s packed with explosives to let them know who we really are.”
- “In feature films, the director is God; in documentaries, God is the director.”
- “Suspense is like a woman; the more left to imagination, the more thrilling it is.”
- “Nothing is as satisfying as a burial at sea; it is neat and not very incriminating.”
- “I’m sure anyone who enjoys a good crime, provided it isn’t the victim.”
- “Television is similar to a gun; your enjoyment depends on which end you’re on.”
- “Winning isn’t too hard if you possess a keen eye, a sharp mind, and no moral scruples.”
- “The film is finished. Now I just need to get it onto the screen.”
- “Writers have the best casting; they don’t need to deal with actors and all that.”
- “Many contemporary films lack true cinema; they’re merely ‘photographs of people talking.’ We should tell stories visually and use dialogue only when necessary.”
- “I prefer a clear horizon — no worries, only creative endeavors. I can’t stand conflict; it drains energy and is unproductive. A harsh word can linger with me for days. I think finding clarity leads to happiness.”
- “I have a deep aversion to eggs; they disgust me. The sight of a yolk breaking is revolting. Blood is vibrant; egg yolk is just gross.”
- “If you can’t do it naturally, then pretend.”
- “I can’t imagine birds of different kinds flocking together. If that occurred, we’d be doomed! How could we ever defend ourselves?”
- “Love those who do wrong; they need it more than you do.”
- “Logic is tedious.”
- “Were you ever booed by your mother?”
- “I’m not concerned with content; I care more about how to evoke emotions in the audience.”
- “Once the script is done, I’d rather not make the film. I visualize everything in detail, then shoot without looking back.”
- “Amateur murderers often craft more interesting work than professionals; their approach can be dignified and tastefully grotesque.”
- “I don’t want to seem disloyal to television, but I think reading will benefit you.”
- “I’m scared of my own films.”
For more insights and engaging content, check out this blog post and explore excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination at CCRM IVF.
Summary
Alfred Hitchcock’s quotes reflect his unique perspective on life, film, and fear, combining humor with a dark edge. His thoughts on suspense, character motivation, and the art of storytelling reveal a complex artist who was both influential and provocative.