McFly's Movie House

Mastering Suspense: Hitchcock’s Bomb Theory Explained | Raiders of the Lost Podcast | McFly's Movie House #009

June 03, 2024 Marta Djordjevic Season 1 Episode 9
Mastering Suspense: Hitchcock’s Bomb Theory Explained | Raiders of the Lost Podcast | McFly's Movie House #009
McFly's Movie House
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McFly's Movie House
Mastering Suspense: Hitchcock’s Bomb Theory Explained | Raiders of the Lost Podcast | McFly's Movie House #009
Jun 03, 2024 Season 1 Episode 9
Marta Djordjevic

Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, revolutionized filmmaking with his innovative storytelling techniques. Among his many contributions is the "Bomb Theory" analogy, where he explained the difference between suspense and surprise. Hitchcock likened a bomb under a table to a surprise, where it suddenly explodes, eliciting a momentary shock. In contrast, suspense is created by revealing the bomb's presence to the audience while keeping it hidden from the characters, intensifying the anticipation. This analogy encapsulates Hitchcock's mastery of manipulating audience emotions and underscores his profound understanding of the psychology of suspense in filmmaking.


James, Anthony, and I will choose six movies that use this method (three by Hitchcock and three more modern interpretations) and discuss our favourites. 


Anthony and James Deveney run the highly successful Raiders of the Lost Podcast while working as filmmakers in the industry. In 2023, they released their short film, Midnight Ruin, and have more projects in the works. 


Instragram: @RaidersoftheLostPodcast 

TikTok: @RaidersoftheLostPodcast 

www.raidersofthelostpodcast.com


Follow Marta Djordjevic
Instagram: @marta.mcfly
TikTok: @marta..mcfly
www.martadjo.com


Produced by Capital G Media
Producers: Ghazal Elhaei, Karman Fong
Audio Editing: Casey Jones 


© 2024 Capital G Media INC. 


Support the Show.

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Show Notes

Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, revolutionized filmmaking with his innovative storytelling techniques. Among his many contributions is the "Bomb Theory" analogy, where he explained the difference between suspense and surprise. Hitchcock likened a bomb under a table to a surprise, where it suddenly explodes, eliciting a momentary shock. In contrast, suspense is created by revealing the bomb's presence to the audience while keeping it hidden from the characters, intensifying the anticipation. This analogy encapsulates Hitchcock's mastery of manipulating audience emotions and underscores his profound understanding of the psychology of suspense in filmmaking.


James, Anthony, and I will choose six movies that use this method (three by Hitchcock and three more modern interpretations) and discuss our favourites. 


Anthony and James Deveney run the highly successful Raiders of the Lost Podcast while working as filmmakers in the industry. In 2023, they released their short film, Midnight Ruin, and have more projects in the works. 


Instragram: @RaidersoftheLostPodcast 

TikTok: @RaidersoftheLostPodcast 

www.raidersofthelostpodcast.com


Follow Marta Djordjevic
Instagram: @marta.mcfly
TikTok: @marta..mcfly
www.martadjo.com


Produced by Capital G Media
Producers: Ghazal Elhaei, Karman Fong
Audio Editing: Casey Jones 


© 2024 Capital G Media INC. 


Support the Show.