Alfred Hitchcock

With characteristic precision, Mark Roche urges us to see through the thrills and entertainment value of Alfred Hitchcock's films into their philosophical heart. He convincingly argues that timeless philosophical questions are central, not incidental, to Hitchcock's work. We are better people for thoughtfully engaging them. * Joseph G. Kickasola, Professor of Film and Digital Media, Baylor University, USA * Alfred Hitchcock was an entertainer and an artist, not a philosopher. Mark Roche shows that his films, however, were profoundly and coherently philosophical. Roche brings his enthusiasm and erudition to the puzzle-master that was Hitchcock. He teases out the director's underlying humanity and irreverent religious thinking. Moreover, he achieves the delightfully unexpected result of making us want to view these often-viewed films once again. * Donald Crafton, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, USA * Mark Roche's book is a very valuable contribution to Hitchcockian scholarship. His insightful reflections will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in the study of film and philosophy. My admiration is so great that I include an interview with him in my course on Existentialism and Film. * Sander Lee, Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Keene State College, USA * Written with depth, lucidity and precision, Mark Roche's masterful analysis of Hitchcock's cinematography demonstrates that, propelled by suspense and humor, fear and laughter, courage and love, his films open up the possibility of a reconciliation of tragedy and comedy in human existence. * Dmitri Nikulin, Professor of Philosophy, The New School for Social Research, USA *