Kathryn Bigelow Reveals the Director Who Shaped Her Vision
Kathryn Bigelow, acclaimed for transforming action cinema, opens up about her deep respect for Alfred Hitchcock and the challenge of picking just one favorite from his legendary filmography.
Kathryn Bigelow has never been one to follow the crowd. Her approach to filmmaking has consistently pushed the boundaries of what action movies can be, infusing them with complexity and emotional weight. From her early days directing films like Blue Steel and Point Break, she’s challenged stereotypes and tackled tough moral questions, all while delivering unforgettable action sequences. In more recent years, she’s turned her focus to military dramas such as The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, and House of Dynamite, earning critical acclaim and breaking records along the way.
What sets her work apart is a commitment to substance over spectacle. While many action films rely on flashy effects and high-tech wizardry, Bigelow’s movies stand out for their suspense and depth. It ’s no surprise, then, that she draws inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker often called the ‘Master of Suspense.’
Finding Inspiration in Hitchcock’s Legacy
When asked about her favorite Hitchcock film, Bigelow admits it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. She’s a fan of classics like Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, and Vertigo, but she also has a soft spot for some of his lesser-known works. One film she highlights is the 1930 silent movie Murder!, which she feels deserves more recognition.
“It’s a silent film, but it’s Hitchcock,”
she explains.
“All of his signatures, all the signifiers, everything we’ve come to know and love about Hitchcock, they’re all in play.”
Hitchcock’s career spanned decades, beginning in the 1920s with films like The Lodger. Many of his early projects were made on tight budgets and adapted from stage plays, a challenge for any director. Yet, Hitchcock managed to bring a unique sense of perspective and tension to the screen—something that can’t be replicated in live theater.
Underrated Films and Lasting Influence
While Murder! may not have the same reputation as Hollywood hits like Rebecca or To Catch a Thief, Bigelow sees it as a crucial part of Hitchcock’s legacy. Her appreciation for overlooked films is personal; she’s experienced similar ups and downs in her own career. Her submarine thriller K-19: The Widowmaker was a box office disappointment that sidelined her for years, but it’s since been reevaluated for its authentic portrayal of military life.
Other projects, like A House of Dynamite and Detroit, also faced criticism and controversy when they first came out. Still, Bigelow believes that time can change how audiences view a film. Just as Hitchcock’s Murder! has found new fans over the years, her own work may be due for a similar resurgence.
The Unpredictable Nature of Film Legacy
No one can predict which movies will stand the test of time. Hitchcock probably never imagined that one of his early, lesser-known films would inspire a director like Bigelow. As she continues to create and innovate, her career serves as a reminder that true artistry often lies in taking risks and challenging expectations.