The Birds - Research

Alfred Hitchcock - The Birds

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock born on the 13th August 1899 at Leytonstone, Essex, England. Became one of the most well-known film producer and director in his time especially around the 1950-60s agenda. Within this time period Hitchcock brought out a few of his most successful films from his whole career, for instance 'Psycho' (made in 1960) and 'North by northwest' (made in 1959).

In Alfred Hitchcock's time of being a successful director he produced approximately 60 of his own films. Here are some examples of some of Hitchcock's highest grossing films and popular audience choices in the box office, for instance:

• Psycho (1960)
• North by northwest (1959)
• Rebecca (1940)
• Spellbound (1945)
• Notorious (1946)
• Rear Window (1954)
• The Birds (1963)

As a successful director Alfred Hitchcock presented many different methods throughout his filming career. A majority of his films included many sources of violence, crime and death/injury. He included methods in his film such as: Red herrings, MacGuffin, Enigmas and Cliff hangers. He used these methods to create tension and suspense which helps attract the audiences attention to his films and leaving them to want to watch more.

Psycho Research

Alfred Hitchcock - Psycho

The film Psycho was released during the 1960's, this film is an American Thriller/Horror film which is directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It was firstly distributed by "Paramount Pictures" then in later releases it was distributed by "Universal Pictures".  This film was quite a success as the budget of the film was $800,000, and in the box office it made a massive $60,000,000.

Here is the trailer.

The shocking film Psycho is now classed as one of Alfred Hitchcock's most successful films. The film is based on a secretive relationship between Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and Sam Loomis (John Gavin). They begin with the discussion on how they cannot afford to get married. Marion Crane as returns back to her work place, where a client then hands over $40,000 to purchase a house for his daughter. Instead of Marion carrying out the transaction she takes the money for herself then escapes to a motel "Bates Motel" owned by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). 


The film "Psycho" is known for the famous "Shower Scene". This scene is where Marion Crane's death occurs. This scene on its own was shot for six days, from 17th December-23rd December 1959 the scene is approximately 3-4 minutes long. The shot includes 77 different camera angles. Hitchcock created this scene intelligently as it was a black and white film, he used chocolate syrup for the blood to give off the illusion of a deep red color.  The sounds of the stabbing was created by using a melon and plunging a knife into it.