Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Alfred Hitchcock: An English film director, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. He is particularly noted for his masterful skill in creating psychological suspense and thrillers.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The film Psycho is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous works.
  • Film students often study the techniques of Alfred Hitchcock.
  • The festival featured a retrospective of Alfred Hitchcock's early British films.

Advanced Usage

• "Hitchcockian" (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the style, themes, or techniques of Alfred Hitchcock, especially involving suspense, psychological tension, and meticulous visual storytelling.
  • The movie's plot had a very Hitchcockian twist.
• To be described as "a Hitchcock": To be a film or situation reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's work.
  • The director's new thriller is being hailed as a modern Hitchcock.

Variants and Related Words

• Hitchcockian (adjective): Pertaining to the style of Alfred Hitchcock.
• Hitchcock (noun, informal): Sometimes used as a shorthand reference to his body of work or style (e.g., "That scene is pure Hitchcock").

Synonyms

• Master of Suspense: A common epithet for Alfred Hitchcock.
• The Director: Used in cinematic contexts to refer specifically to him, given his iconic status.

Related Phrases

• MacGuffin: A term popularized by Hitchcock for a plot device that drives the story but is ultimately unimportant in itself.
  • The secret plans were just a MacGuffin to propel the spies into action.
• Hitchcock cameo: Refers to Alfred Hitchcock's signature brief appearances in his own films.
  • Fans always look for the Hitchcock cameo in his movies.

Related Idioms

• To pull a Hitchcock: To execute a surprising plot twist or create intense suspense in a narrative.
  • The show's finale really pulled a Hitchcock with that unexpected reveal.

Noun

1. English film director noted for his skill in creating suspense (1899-1980)