Alfred Hitchcock!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are taking a deep dive into one of the most influential film makers of all time; Alfred Hitchcock! I was lucky enough to interview author and historian, Stephen Rebello, who conducted Hitchcock’s very last interview!

Few names loom larger in the world of cinema than Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary British director whose career spanned six decades and redefined the thriller genre. Known for masterpieces like “Psycho”, “Rear Window”, “Vertigo”, and “North by Northwest”, Hitchcock combined psychological depth, suspenseful storytelling, and striking visuals in a way that made his style instantly recognizable. With over 50 films to his name, his influence on modern filmmakers; from Brian De Palma to Jordan Peele; is undeniable, and his legacy continues to captivate audiences long after his passing in 1980.

Behind the camera, Hitchcock was as complex as his films. Though he cultivated a public persona as the dry-witted, rotund showman with a flair for macabre humor, his private life revealed layers of control, artistic obsession, and a complicated relationship with the actors; especially the women; he worked with. His long marriage to Alma Reville, a trusted creative partner and editor, was a quiet anchor throughout his life. Alma’s unseen influence helped shape many of Hitchcock’s most iconic works, making her a crucial; if often overlooked; part of his success.

Author and film historian Stephen Rebello explored this dynamic world in his acclaimed book “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho”. Drawing on interviews, studio archives, and personal research, Rebello peeled back the curtain on one of Hitchcock’s most daring productions. Remarkably, Rebello also conducted what would become Hitchcock’s final interview, a distinction that adds depth and intimacy to his work. In later conversations, Rebello has reflected on the significance of that moment, sharing how Hitchcock’s wit and sharp mind were still very much intact, even in his final days.

Rebello’s work inspired the 2012 film “Hitchcock”, which starred Anthony Hopkins as the director and Helen Mirren as Alma. Rather than a full biopic, the movie zooms in on the turbulent period surrounding the making of Psycho. It balances suspense and humor while giving Alma a spotlight rarely afforded to her in earlier accounts. Though the film took creative liberties, it introduced a new generation to Hitchcock’s genius and the passion behind one of cinema’s most iconic horror films. For fans of classic cinema, Hitchcock remains an enduring symbol of innovation; and thanks to voices like Rebello’s, his story continues to unfold.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was it like meeting someone like Hitchcock? Did he have a unique presence?

Stephen Rebello: Over the years, my work and social life have put many famous people in my work and my personal life but I can tell you with certainty that there was no one else “like Hitchcock.”

He was a unique presence, yes. He radiated authority, power and did not suffer fools gladly. But he also conveyed vulnerability.

He also liked to test people. I’ll give a personal example of his taste for pranks and practical jokes. After I arrived promptly to his suite of offices on the Universal lot where I was to interview him, his very formal assistant showed me into the vestibule and indicating exactly in which chair I should sit, she said, ‘Once Mr. Hitchcock has finished his morning session with his barber, he’ll be right with you.”

Soon after, the assistant answered a phone call hurriedly summoning her (I could hear Hitchcock’s unmistakable voice) to her boss’s office door.  She left the door open just enough for me to glimpse Hitchcock reclining in a chair, with a barber cape over him. There he was in silhouette, his head tilted back, his fleshy neck exposed to the barber who hovered over him holding a gleaming straight razor. Then, the door closed. What a moment; a perfect Grand Guignol tableau, staged almost as perfectly as a wickedly funny, macabre moment from a Hitchcock film.

Once I was ushered into the office, Hitchcock shot me a quick glance as if trying to read my reaction to his little jest. He could see that I was suppressing a grin when I made a reference to Sweeney Todd and an off-handed quip about the director’s preference for close shaves on screen and off. My attempts at wit were hardly worthy of John Michael Hayes or Ernest Lehman, but they did the trick. Hitchcock’s eyes twinkled. He visibly relaxed. I’d passed his test.

Giancarlo: Is it safe to say you personally have a lot of passion for the subject of Hitchcock? It truly seems that way in your incredible book; “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making Of Psycho” and in several interviews. 

Stephen Rebello: Writing a book or a screenplay is not for the faint-hearted. The process can be agonizing, joyful, exciting, and humbling, often all on the same day. So, why take that on unless you’re passionate about your subject? Discovering Hitchcock movies starting when I was a kid in a small New England town that led to my seeing films directed by Howard Hawks, Ernst Lubitsch, John Ford, Orson Welles, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, David Lean, George Cukor, William Wyler, Michael Powell, Preston Sturges and more. These movies opened entirely new worlds to me and led me to great books and plays, to international cinema, and beyond.

Writing “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho” and working on the screenplay version with the director who was originally going to do the movie version;  was each such an entirely different, special and eye-opening experience that I resisted involving myself in any other Hitchcock-related project for many years. But I took the plunge again with my new book about “Strangers on a Train” because it was such a brilliant movie that it had gotten under my skin a long time ago and that I had lots to say about it, especially after doing extensive research and interviews with Hitchcock’s colleagues. I love that some critics and fellow writers have called the book cinematic, that it reads like an edge-of-your seat thriller. That's very gratifying to me, especially because making-of-movie books can sometimes be seen as too niche, too  “inside baseball.” I always try to avoid that potential pitfall. 

Giancarlo: What do you think is the most important thing most people don’t know about Hitchcock?

Stephen Rebello: That, for all the showmanship of his unique public persona, he seemed to me to be a very lonely, complex man; shy, self-conscious, socially uneasy, full of the kinds of fears that he explored in his movies. Things he said to me suggested that he was deeply in awe of (and perhaps jealous of) the physical beauty and grace of the stars he cast in his films. He also had no respect for people who came to the set unprepared or who gave less than their best. But he was one of the most droll, quick-witted people I’ve ever met. One can read jaw-dropping, astonishingly inaccurate things about Mr. Hitchcock on the internet. It's pointless to engage with these people who always seem to write with great “authority,” ‘Oh, I heard …’ or ‘I read…’ before spouting these factoids that often reveal less about the real Hitchcock than about the teller of the tale. I will say that he had a sly, very British sense of humor that some missed entirely. But I love dry, sardonic humor and he could be witheringly witty. I pity people who were not on his wavelength. I feel sad for those who completely misread his intent. They missed the whole point. 

Giancarlo: What motivates you to continue your work after you've already accomplished extraordinary things in your industry?

Stephen Rebello: I'm motivated by the desire to go deeper, to be better, to amplify my authenticity. I don't like to be slotted or pigeon-holed, like, “Oh, he's the guy who writes this or that kind of thing.” I've come to a place where it excites me to take risks and work without a net; even if, especially if; it terrifies me. And yes, sure, I will risk failing. But failure should be our stepping stones, our boot camp, not our burial ground.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Stephen Rebello: It's funny that l've gotten the same piece of advice twice in my life; the first time from a tough, smart 6th grade teacher back in Somerset, Massachusetts and again about 20 years later from an influential New York film critic when I had decided to leave a career I loved so that I could spread my wings to see if I could fly and succeed as a writer. Both women assured me that I had writing talent, which was a great thing to hear, but both basically advised, “You don't think like anyone else, talk like anyone else, look at the world like anyone else, so write like you and people will listen.” The only times l've made missteps, the only times l've regretted something l've written is when l've listened to anyone tell me how or what to write. Finding one's voice, trusting your authenticity is your superpower.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo