Creating Horror and Suspense in Hitchcock's Film "The Birds"

"The Birds", by ‘the master of suspense’ Alfred Hitchcock, was a technical marvel for its time. Made in the 1960's when there were no computers to help making films, Hitchcock pushed the limits of film production, and it was superbly directed. Unsure of whether he would be able to finish shooting the film and later admitting if he had known how difficult it would be to produce, he would not have shot it. The technique behind the production of the film, the well-performing cast and the suspense in this film made it brilliant for the time and still is nowadays. Yet, the film is different than a lot of other productions by Hitchcock. Especially when comparing it to "Psycho", which was released three years prior to "The Birds", there are a lot of differences and some similarities, but in the end, both are iconic thrillers and two of Hitchcock’s most notorious films.

This essay wants to portray what made "The Birds" the film it is and how Hitchcock created suspense and horror. Beforehand the difference between suspense and horror must be explained and afterwards the different topics of the film will be portrayed. The focus of this essay is on the production of the film and how it was perceived at the time made and nowadays.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• SUSPENSE AND HORROR
• MOTIVES AND TOPICS
• MUSIC AND SOUNDEFFECTS
• TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTION
• CONCLUSION

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay examines the filmmaking techniques and narrative elements that contribute to the horror and suspense in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film "The Birds." It aims to analyze how Hitchcock employed specific cinematic techniques, such as framing, sound, and character portrayal, to create a sense of mounting tension and unease. The essay also delves into the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the potential for nature's dark side to manifest as a threat to humanity.

• The difference between suspense and horror in film
• The use of cinematic techniques to create suspense, including framing and sound
• The themes of loneliness and isolation in "The Birds"
• The portrayal of nature as a potential threat to humanity
• The film's lasting impact and its relevance in contemporary cinema

Chapter Summaries

• INTRODUCTION: The introduction discusses the film's technical achievements, its unique place within Hitchcock's filmography, and the essay's focus on the creation of suspense and horror.
• SUSPENSE AND HORROR: This chapter explains the fundamental difference between suspense and horror, utilizing Hitchcock's "bomb theory" as a framework. It explores how "The Birds" employs both elements, creating a slow build-up of suspense before culminating in scenes of sudden, shocking violence.
• MOTIVES AND TOPICS: This chapter examines the themes of loneliness and isolation present throughout the film, focusing on the characters' struggles with personal relationships and their vulnerability in the face of an unknown threat.

Keywords

The essay focuses on the key concepts of suspense, horror, cinematic techniques, framing, sound, loneliness, isolation, nature, threat, and Alfred Hitchcock’s filmmaking style.

Details

• College: University of Tubingen
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Samuel Munz (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V1174186
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346593351
• Language: English
• Tags: creating horror suspense hitchcock film birds