Alfred Hitchcock: Blackmail
In Alfred Hitchcock: Blackmail, host Lily Cole discusses how Hitchcock turned the creeping dread people felt due to nuclear war into art. She learns about his 10th movie, Blackmail, which was Britain's first talkie. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Lesson Express
Q: How did Hitchcock's film Blackmail contribute to the transition from silent films to "talkies"?
A: Blackmail was the first British film to feature sound, marking an important shift in the film industry from silent movies to talkies.
Q: How did Hitchcock use the fear of nuclear war in his films?
A: Hitchcock incorporated elements of dread and tension related to the anxiety of nuclear war, capturing societal fears through the medium of film.
Q: Why is Alfred Hitchcock considered an influential figure in the history of cinema?
A: Hitchcock is known for his innovative use of suspense, camera techniques, and his mastery in creating films that evoke tension and emotional engagement.