Celebrating Alfred Hitchcock - The Master of Suspense

March 12 marks the anniversary of the television broadcast of Alfred Hitchcock's American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony. Hitchcock became known for directing thrillers in the mid-1920s. His big break came with the 1929 classic, Blackmail. He also acted, wrote, and produced. We put together some Hitchcock inspired tattoos and fast facts. Enjoy this blog while we go re-watch Psycho.      

Norman Bates, the infamous antagonist from the1959 thriller Psycho is one of the most popular villains from Alfred Hitchcock's films. 

Tattoo by: Steven Carrera

In 1979, Alfred Hitchcock became the 7th recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

Tattoo by: Tat2sam

The most constant image in Hitchcock’s films seems to be Hitchcock's own image. He perfected the art of the cameo, making blink-and-you’ll-miss-them appearances in over 30 of his own films.

Tattoo by: Nick Donarini

He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of filmmaking with other people. Multiple books have been inspired by him and his know-how including The Art of Alfred Hitchcock : Fifty Years of His Motion Pictures and The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock, both written by Donald Spoto. 

Tattoo by: Abeja Luna

Hitchcock was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980 and received numerous honors for his work. When he received an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar in 1967, he gave one of the shortest acceptance speeches in the ceremony’s history, saying, “Thank you…very much indeed.”

Tattoo by: Nikita Kuzmenko

He wasn't afraid to push the limits when he came to censor guidelines. Hitchcock spent most of his career pushing restrictions in the industry that regulated the content of Hollywood films. He figured out strategies to get around some of the rules. For instance, while filming Psycho the censors asked him to reshoot the sexually suggestive opening and Hitchcock claimed he didn’t understand their request and needed them to personally join him on set and give instructions. The bit worked because when the censors didn’t show the director was able to leave the scene unchanged.

Tattoo by: Jyrke Savolainen

What Alfred Hitchcock film is your favorite? Comment below!