Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker, has a story to tell about his early encounters with the iconic Alfred Hitchcock. In a recent interview, Spielberg recalled a time when he, as a young and ambitious director, attempted to visit the set of Hitchcock's 1976 thriller, 'Family Plot'. Despite his already notable success with 'Jaws', Spielberg's desire to meet Hitchcock was met with a surprising response.
Spielberg's eagerness to meet the master was understandable. Hitchcock's influence on cinema is undeniable, and Spielberg had even borrowed a memorable moment from 'Psycho' for 'Jaws'. However, Hitchcock's demeanor towards the young director was less than welcoming. Spielberg described his attempt to sneak onto the set, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hitchcock, only to be abruptly kicked off by an assistant director.
This incident highlights the stark contrast between the young, aspiring filmmaker and the established, revered director. Hitchcock's dismissiveness could be attributed to his guarded nature, as revealed by Bruce Dern, who starred in 'Family Plot'. Hitchcock's reluctance to meet with Spielberg might have been a result of his preference for maintaining a certain level of privacy and control over his work.
Interestingly, this wasn't Spielberg's only encounter with Hitchcock's set. He also tried to visit the set of 'Torn Curtain' in 1966, only to be shown the door after a brief 10-minute visit. These experiences left Spielberg with a sense of disappointment, as he never got to meet Hitchcock in person. Yet, his perseverance and talent led to an extraordinary career, making him the highest-grossing director in box office history.
The story of Spielberg's encounters with Hitchcock serves as a reminder of the challenges young artists face in the industry. It also underscores the importance of mentorship and the impact of iconic figures like Hitchcock on the development of future generations of filmmakers. Despite the initial setbacks, Spielberg's determination and skill propelled him to the pinnacle of the film world, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
