Which film technique is primarily associated with Alfred Hitchcock?

The choice of suspenseful storytelling is particularly significant in the context of Alfred Hitchcock's filmmaking career. Hitchcock is renowned for his mastery in constructing tension and anxiety within his narratives, earning him the moniker of the "Master of Suspense." He employed various techniques to create suspense, including manipulating audience expectations through carefully timed plot developments, the use of dramatic irony, and exploring psychological themes among characters.

One of his most notable contributions to suspenseful storytelling is the "MacGuffin," an object or goal that drives the protagonist's actions but is ultimately not important to the overall story. This technique keeps the audience engaged as they become ensnared in the suspense surrounding the characters' motivations and conflicts. Hitchcock's films like "Psycho," "Vertigo," and "Rear Window" showcase how he crafted atmospheres of uncertainty and anticipation, drawing viewers deeply into the narrative experience.

While other filmmaking styles such as documentary style, direct cinema, and character-driven narratives have their merits and can be seen in various filmmakers' works, none align as closely with Hitchcock's distinctive approach as suspenseful storytelling does. His legacy in this domain has profoundly influenced the thriller genre and cinematic storytelling as a whole.