The fact that two of the most famous people in movie history, Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock, have never met is astonishing. By 1975, Hitchcock was finishing out his career with ‘Family Plot’, while Spielberg had made a major sensation with ‘Jaws’. Spielberg was a natural fan and wanted to meet his hero, but Hitchcock adamantly declined for a peculiar reason.
Bruce Dern, who co-wrote ‘Family Plot’ with Hitchcock, described this in his autobiography, ‘Things I’ve Said, But Probably Shouldn’t Have’. Dern saw Spielberg strolling across the site during production, observing Hitchcock from a distance. Dern brought up Spielberg’s desire to see Hitchcock, but Hitchcock refused, claiming he was uneasy with the “boy who made the fish movie.”
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This peculiar response resulted from Hitchcock’s unease at having paid to have his voice recorded for the ‘Jaws’ theme park attraction, which made him feel as if he had “sold out.” Hitchcock said he did not feel good when he looked at Spielberg, implying that his relationship with ‘Jaws’ ruined the chance to meet Spielberg.
Spielberg still thinks about the chance lost when Hitchcock’s uneasiness prevented a meeting despite Dern’s encouragement. Spielberg had already sneaked onto the set of Hitchcock’s ‘Torn Curtain’, demonstrating his fascination with the director’s work even before ‘Family Plot’. Spielberg briefly caught a glimpse of Hitchcock and Julie Andrews there, but he was quickly led away by staff personnel who told him the set was closed.
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Spielberg’s appreciation for the renowned filmmaker is demonstrated by his unwavering devotion and perseverance in pursuing Hitchcock. However, in a sense, Hitchcock’s hesitation also betrays his own nuanced emotions over his legacy and his connection to the changing Hollywood of Spielberg’s era.
–Farheen Ali