Alfred Hitchcock

Film & Theater English-American 1899 – 1980 313 quotes

Master of suspense

Most quoted

"The audience is like a giant organ that you and I are playing. At one moment we play this note and get this reaction, and then we play that chord and they react that way. And someday we won't even have to make a movie — there'll be electrodes implanted in their brains, and we'll just press different buttons and they'll go 'ooooh' and 'aaahh' and we'll frighten them, and make them laugh. Won't that be wonderful?"

— from Interview with François Truffaut, 1966

"I'm scared of eggs, worse than frightened, they revolt me. That white round thing without any holes... have you ever seen anything more revolting than an egg yolk breaking and spilling its yellow liquid? Blood is jolly, red. But egg yolk is yellow, revolting. I've never tasted it."

— from Interview

"Fear isn't so difficult to understand. After all, weren't we all frightened as children? Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the big bad wolf. What frightens us today is exactly the same sort of thing that frightened us yesterday. It's just a different wolf."

— from Interview

All quotes by Alfred Hitchcock (313)

I like to put the audience in the position of the voyeur. They're watching something they shouldn't be watching.

Interview

The truth is often stranger than fiction, but not always as entertaining.

Interview

I am a meticulous planner. I leave nothing to chance.

Interview

The greatest fear is the fear of the unknown.

Interview

I like to play with the audience's expectations. I like to surprise them.

Interview

The human heart is a dark and mysterious place.

Interview

I believe in the power of suggestion. It's a very effective tool.

Interview

Life is a journey, and death is the destination.

Interview

The only way to escape your past is to confront it.

Interview

I am a firm believer in fate. What is meant to be, will be.

Interview

The human spirit is resilient. It can overcome anything.

Interview

I like to explore the darker side of human nature. It's more interesting.

Interview

The greatest beauty is often found in the most unexpected places.

Interview

I believe in the power of love. It can conquer all.

Interview

The human mind is a labyrinth of thoughts and emotions.

Interview

I like to create a sense of unease in my films. It keeps the audience on edge.

Interview

The meaning of life is to find your purpose.

Interview

I am a master of suspense. I know how to keep the audience guessing.

Interview

The human condition is a complex and fascinating thing.

Interview

I believe in the power of the imagination. It can take you anywhere.

Interview