The Banal Sources of Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and the Horror Genre

dr hab. Katarzyna Szmigiero

doi:10.56583/fs.2835

Published : 2025-12-21

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2025)

The Banal Sources of Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and the Horror Genre

dr hab. Katarzyna Szmigiero

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56583/fs.2835

Abstract

Though Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980) is usually referred to as the Master of Suspense due to his famous thrillers, he also made two ground-breaking horror films, Psycho (1960) and The Birds (1963). His approach to fear and building tension revolutionized the previously stagnant genre and has been copied by innumerable imitators. He also avoided overtly supernatural motifs or exploitation of gore, relying instead on skillful montage and soundtrack to build tension. Furthermore, in various interviews or short articles Hitchcock explained his theories on thriller and horror genres, as well as his distinction between suspense and shock. These views are mirrored in his work. This article examines the novel aspects Hitchcock introduced to American horror films, such as a contemporary setting, ordinary characters, and location of fear in the everyday, mundane aspects of life, especially family relations.

The aim of this text is to look at the novel aspects Hitchcock introduced to American horror films, such as contemporary setting, ordinary characters, and location of fear in the every-day, mundane aspects of life, especially family relations.

Keywords:

Alfred Hitchcock, fear, horror, Psycho, The Birds

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Szmigiero, D. H. K. (2025). The Banal Sources of Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and the Horror Genre. Facta Simonidis, 18(2), 469–488. https://doi.org/10.56583/fs.2835

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