The Tangled Relationship Between Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock

Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock were two of the most influential figures in the history of the cinema, yet their relationship seems to have been marked by a complex and often bitter rivalry. While one former director worshipped Hitchcock, the other refused to meet the former's contemporaries, even when Spielberg made every effort to get close to him.

Worship from Spielberg to Disdain from Hitchcock

Steven Spielberg, the acclaimed filmmaker, was a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock. He was so captivated by Hitchcock's work that he bought the entire shop where Hitchcock used to purchase his special Hawaiian shirts. However, Hitchcock, in his later years, felt a strong resentment towards Spielberg's massive commercial success, which he saw as a hindrance to his own aspirations.

Alfred Hitchcock, known as the Master of Suspense, mocked Spielberg's hit movie Jaws, calling it a "film about a fish." This comment suggests that Hitchcock, who was once pioneering the suspense genre, couldn't help but feel that Spielberg had taken his legacy to a new level of commercial success that had shifted the landscape of filmmaking.

The Reason Behind Hitchcock's Snub

A new memoir by an actor close to Alfred Hitchcock has revealed a specific grudge that Hitchcock had against Spielberg. According to Bruce Dern, one of the actors in Hitchcock's film Family Plot (1976), Hitchcock disliked meeting Spielberg because he felt that he had “took the very type of suspense film Hitchcock had once been the master of… to a new level of box office success."

The revelation suggests that Hitchcock's frustration stemmed from the financial success Spielberg achieved with his blockbuster Jaws. By 1975, Jaws had become a cultural phenomenon, transforming the summer blockbuster into a common occurrence. This shift in the film industry's dynamics clearly hit Hitchcock hard, making him resentful of Spielberg's success.

Efforts to Connect

Despite Hitchcock's disdain, Spielberg made several attempts to meet his idol. He famously snuck onto Hitchcock's set just to be near his mentor, demonstrating his deep admiration. Being a young filmmaker at the time, Spielberg recognized the importance of using every opportunity to learn from his heroes.

However, Hitchcock was not amused. Instead of seeing Spielberg's admiration as a tribute to him, Hitchcock chose to regard it with resentment. The memoir further states that Hitchcock refused to meet Spielberg on several occasions, even snubbing him.

Final Reflections

The relationship between Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock is a testament to the complexities of fame and success in the film industry. While Spielberg tried to emulate Hitchcock in every way, Hitchcock seemed to resent the very same path Spielberg was taking to achieve success.

Nevertheless, their work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. The lessons learned from Hitchcock's masterclass in suspense and Spielberg's ability to translate that passion to the big screen are still relevant in the ever-evolving world of cinema.