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Alfred Hitchcock Summary

Alfred Hitchcock: Filmmaker and Philosopher by Mark William Roche (University of Notre Dame, USA)

Hitchcock was a masterful director, popular with audiences of all ages and critically acclaimed both during and after his unusually long career. What may have been sensed by many viewers but not fully articulated until now is the extent to which his works subtly engage philosophical themes: What is evil, and how does it shield and reveal itself? Can we know what is inside the mind of another person? What is at stake when one knows the truth but cannot speak of it or cannot persuade others? How is Hitchcocks loving critique of humanity manifested in his films? Why are Hitchcocks works so often ambiguous? What is the hidden purpose and theory behind his use of humor? Hitchcock employs cinematic techniquesfrom camera angles and use of light to editing and soundpartly to convey suspense and drama but also to engage and advance philosophical issues, ranging from identity crises to moral ugliness. Roche unlocks Hitchcocks engagement with philosophical themes, and he does so in a way that appeals to both the novice and the seasoned philosopher, as well as enthusiastic admirers of Hitchcocks films.

Alfred Hitchcock Reviews

With characteristic precision, Mark Roche urges us to see through the thrills and entertainment value of Alfred Hitchcocks films into their philosophical heart. He convincingly argues that timeless philosophical questions are central, not incidental, to Hitchcocks work. We are better people for thoughtfully engaging them. * Joseph G. Kickasola, Professor of Film and Digital Media, Baylor University, USA *
Alfred Hitchcock was an entertainer and an artist, not a philosopher. Mark Roche shows that his films, however, were profoundly and coherently philosophical. Roche brings his enthusiasm and erudition to the puzzle-master that was Hitchcock. He teases out the directors underlying humanity and irreverent religious thinking. Moreover, he achieves the delightfully unexpected result of making us want to view these often-viewed films once again. * Donald Crafton, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, USA *
Mark Roche's book is a very valuable contribution to Hitchcockian scholarship. His insightful reflections will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in the study of film and philosophy. My admiration is so great that I include an interview with him in my course on Existentialism and Film. * Sander Lee, Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Keene State College, USA *
Written with depth, lucidity and precision, Mark Roches masterful analysis of Hitchcocks cinematography demonstrates that, propelled by suspense and humor, fear and laughter, courage and love, his films open up the possibility of a reconciliation of tragedy and comedy in human existence. * Dmitri Nikulin, Professor of Philosophy, The New School for Social Research, USA *

About Mark William Roche (University of Notre Dame, USA)

Mark W. Roche is Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Professor of German Language and Literature and Concurrent Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, USA.

Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgements 1. Hitchcock's Philosophical Universe 2. Hitchcock as Master of Form 3. Shadow of a Doubt as a Cinematic and Philosophical Masterpiece 4. Hitchcock and Beyond 5. Conclusion Bibliography Index

Additional information

NGR9781474221306
9781474221306
1474221300
Alfred Hitchcock: Filmmaker and Philosopher by Mark William Roche (University of Notre Dame, USA)
New
Paperback
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
2022-06-16
216
N/A
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