Steven Spielberg’s Admiration for Alfred Hitchcock
Steven Spielberg is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential directors in the history of cinema. With blockbuster hits like „Jurassic Park“ and the „Indiana Jones“ series, Spielberg has continually raised the bar for what a successful film can achieve. However, even a filmmaker of Spielberg’s caliber once looked up to his own idols, including the legendary Alfred Hitchcock.
Alongside other iconic directors like David Lean, John Ford, Stanley Kubrick, and John Frankenheimer, Hitchcock was considered the epitome of a film director by many, including Spielberg himself. Spielberg paid homage to Hitchcock with his television film „Duel,“ and receiving praise from the Master of Suspense for his breakthrough film „Jaws“ was undoubtedly a significant moment in Spielberg’s career.
Despite their mutual admiration for each other’s work, a meeting between Spielberg and Hitchcock never materialized. An anecdote shared by author Stephen Schochet in his book „Tales Of Hollywood“ reveals how Hitchcock once expressed frustration at an „uninvited young man“ lurking around the set of his film „Family Plot“ in 1976. Little did Hitchcock know that the intruder was none other than Spielberg, hoping to meet his idol.
The Fish Movie Comment
Further attempts to arrange a meeting between the two directors were unsuccessful, with Bruce Dern, who starred in „Family Plot,“ recounting a rather peculiar reason for Hitchcock’s refusal. In his autobiography, Dern recalled a conversation where he tried to persuade Hitchcock to meet with Spielberg, emphasizing Spielberg’s admiration for the legendary director.
Hitchcock’s response, however, was unexpected. He reportedly said, „Isn’t he the one who made the fish movie? I could never sit down and talk with him. Because I would look at him and feel like a whore.“ Dern pressed for an explanation, to which Hitchcock elaborated, „Because I am the voice of the ‚Jaws‘ ride at Universal Studios. They paid me a million dollars. And I took the money and made it. […] I cannot sit down and talk to the boy who made the fish movie. I couldn’t even touch his hand.“
This revelation shed light on Hitchcock’s discomfort with being associated with a theme park attraction based on Spielberg’s film. Despite Spielberg likely viewing this as a point of pride rather than a tarnishing of Hitchcock’s reputation, the meeting he had hoped for with the director of cinematic masterpieces like „Rear Window,“ „Vertigo,“ and „The Birds“ never came to fruition.
Steven Spielberg’s Near Miss with „Jaws“
Interestingly, Spielberg’s own journey with „Jaws“ almost didn’t come to pass. The film, which would go on to become a cultural phenomenon and solidify Spielberg’s status as a visionary director, was almost taken out of his hands before production even began.
The project faced numerous challenges, including a malfunctioning mechanical shark and a tight shooting schedule. Spielberg’s own doubts about his ability to bring the story to life plagued him throughout the process. At one point, he even feared that he would be fired from the film due to the mounting issues.
However, Spielberg’s determination and creativity ultimately prevailed. Through innovative storytelling techniques and a keen understanding of suspense and tension, Spielberg transformed „Jaws“ into a groundbreaking film that would redefine the horror genre and captivate audiences worldwide.
In Conclusion
While a meeting between Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock never came to fruition, the mutual respect and admiration they held for each other’s work endure to this day. Spielberg’s reverence for Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense and storytelling is evident in his own films, which have left an indelible mark on cinema.
Though Hitchcock’s reluctance to meet with Spielberg may have stemmed from a sense of discomfort with his own legacy, the impact of their respective contributions to the world of film remains undeniable. Both directors have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, showcasing the power of storytelling and the art of cinema.