October 2009 Artist of the Month: Alfred Hitchcock

October is traditionally a time for horror. Halloween brings out all the ghosts and ghouls, slashers and stalkers. As we’ve seen in recent years, PG-13 horror flicks have become a dime a dozen - something studios grind out without much artistry to them. Grab the latest sensation from Tokyo, Japan, Korea, or France and remake it with an American twist. Instead of promoting the continuance of that mindless pap, we’re chosen to celebrate one of the premiere names in suspense and terror - Alfred Hitchcock.

I don’t think anyone would argue Hitchcock’s value in the realm of suspense, but it’s amazing how many of his films are overlooked. Even devout film lovers may survive with a passing knowledge of Hitchcock’s movies. We all know the iconic shower sequence of Psycho, the influence of Rear Window or Strangers on a Train on more contemporary films (Disturbia and Throw Mama From the Train for example), but how many of you have actually taken the time to actually watch those Hitchcock films?

Hitchcock’s body of work is far too vast to pay proper tribute to all of his films within a month, so we’re focusing on two a week. Admittedly, we are targeting his bigger stories, although a quick poll of the staff revealed that was the perfect place to start. As I said above, we know the iconic moments and the basic plots, but we haven’t necessarily watched the movies. This month changes that, as we expand our familiarity with Hitchcock and discuss his movies each week on the Weekly Blend Audio Show.

Instead of listing Hitchcock’s entire filmography, we’re providing our schedule for discussing his movies. Maybe you can join in on the discussion by watching and e-mailing or calling in your thoughts on the movie. All of our contact information can be found on our About Us page. We’re particularly interested in your input for our final week’s discussion of Hitchcock’s movies, as we turn to you, our readers and listeners, for a poll to provide our final two movies.

Widescreen Warrior.com Presents: Alfred Hitchcock

Week of October 4th - 11th
• Psycho
• The Birds

Week of October 12th - 18th
• Vertigo
• Rear Window

Week of October 19th - 25th
• North by Northwest
• Dial M for Murder

Week of October 26th - November 1st
• Reader’s Choice (To be determined)

Full filmography available at IMDb