We've heard of many of them, we've seen a few of them, but when it comes to really nailing things down - really describing what makes Hitchcock so great - we tend to balk because of the sheer volume that lies before us.
This is understandable. Most Hitchcock films benefit from being compared with each other; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Hitchcock worked closely with his screenwriters, composers, and set designers. With few exceptions - such as PSYCHO or THE BIRDS which could stand alone - it's best to watch Hitchcock films in bunches, to watch for common qualities.
So where to begin?
I'll try to make things clear and easy. Below, I'll note 10 common qualities of Hitchcock films. Then, because Hitchcock was fond of the number 13, I'll recommend 13 films to watch.
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