@ Universal Studios in Los Angeles

Ara Güler ~ Alfred Hitchcock, 1974 

Our meeting was to be in his office at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, with all the normal precautions and rules.  Hitchcock was very imposing.  From the start, he was silent and reserved, no doubt thinking: why do I have to waste my time with a Turkish photographer?  Nonetheless, he soon changed his mind and joined the fun.  For the two whole hours the old elephant struck poses, mimed and looked for props to spice up the decor.  Hitchcock directed himself, crossed my field of view, thought up a new composition and dreamt up apparitions of himself, like those that were obligatory in his films.  A silent film, as it turned out, as we exchanged barely a word.  Everything was in gestures and looks.  He understood and I understood - something I have never had with another subject. - Ara Guler

Creating the 20th Century: 100 Artists, Writers and Thinkers by Ara Guler  and Alberto Manguel