SIR ALFRED HITCHCOCK

You know, I can still see him so clearly in my mind. One of my childhood memories is his TV show, ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS. It would always open with Alfred standing center stage. Occasionally he’d use props but frequently he would just be standing there in his tailored suit. Face-forward, hands clasped on his big tummy, he’d look straight into the camera (as I show him here.) With a wonderful English accent, round expressive face and eyes, he’d introduce himself and talk directly to the viewers. With a slightly ominous (and most definitely mischievous) tone, he’d ‘prepare us’ for what we were about to see. In his conclusion he’d slowly turn into the profile of his trademark shadow.

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was a British film director and producer. He is considered the most influential filmmaker of all-time and cultural icon. He was born on August 13, 1899 in Leytonstone, London. He was the second son of three children of William Hitchcock (1862–1914), a grocer, and Emma Jane Hitchcock (1863–1942). He was raised Catholic and attended a Jesuit Classic school.

He often described his childhood as being very lonely and sheltered, a situation compounded by his obesity. He felt he had been treated harshly as a child and frequently accused of things ‘he didn’t do.’ Hitchcock said his father sent him to the local police station with a note asking the officer to lock him away for ten minutes as punishment for bad behavior. Hitchcock's mother would often make him stand for hours at the foot of her bed (where she could see him) for misbehavior. Like many of his life experiences, this one would later be used for the portrayal of the character of Norman Bates in his movie Psycho.

Hitchcock directed more than fifty feature films in a career spanning six decades. His distinctive directorial style is still imitated today. He pioneered a moving camera technique which made the viewers feel as if they were moving through the scene. He framed shots to maximize anxiety, fear, or empathy and the endings to his psychological thrillers were always a surprise.

His life, and career are so vast and long I can’t begin to summarize for this blog, but you can read an online synopsis of Alfred Hitchcock here.

Hitchcock died at the age of 81 peacefully in his sleep on April 29, 1980 in Los Angeles. He was survived by his wife Alma and his daughter.

Sweet Dreams Mr. Hitchcock and thank you for entertaining us.

Vikki

My source reference- THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK STORY by Ken Mogg (1999).

The Painting is simply called HITCHCOCK and is part of my Master's Series. It is 16”x20” on gallery wrapped canvas and it is SOLD. (No prints will be available. ) To see more of my work in the Master series please visit THE RED CHAIR GALLERY.

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OUR THEME THIS WEEK ON THE ARTIST CHALLENGE IS ‘MY SO CALLED LIFE.’ I’m showing a fun little painting called-“ALL STARS’”

It’s 12”x 16” Acrylic on heavyweight canvas panel. The Original is priced at $525 and paper prints are available for $59. You can find more details and a purchase link in The Red Chair Gallery, Misc. Subjects, PAGE 2.

PLEASE VISIT THE CHALLENGE TO SEE WONDERFUL WORK BY ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
My Red Chair Gallery- http://www.theredchairgallery.com/
The Artist Challenge- http://www.theartistchallenge.com/
The Gift Shop- http://artgiftsunder99dollars.blogspot.com/

All images and stories in this blog are ©2011VikkiNorth. All stories are works of fiction and not based on real people or situation. Unauthorized use or duplication -in any form-is restricted by Law and will result in litigation.