Reputation Building and the Film Art World: The Case of Alfred Hitchcock

Abstract

The change in Alfred Hitchcock's reputation from popular entertainer to distinguished auteur over the last 25 years is usually attributed to the efforts of some admiring European film figures. This article traces the reevaluation of Hitchcock's work beginning in the 1960s, but emphasizes in addition to the role of sponsors, Hitchcock's own part in orchestrating the transformation. Other factors that might speed up, slow down, or undermine altogether the reputational process are examined. The probable effects of Hitchcock's changing reputation on subsequent developments in the suspense thriller genre are also explored.