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About this quote

What does it mean?
A film should not outlast the viewer's physical comfort.
In plain terms
Keep movies short enough so people don't need a bathroom break.
What can you take from it?
Respect audience physical limits when pacing content.

Where it applies

  • movie making
  • screening rooms
  • long presentations

Putting it to work

  • cut runtime
  • schedule breaks
  • test screenings

Questions to consider

  • How long is too long for a viewer?
  • What happens when discomfort sets in?

Another view

Some genres benefit from longer immersive runs.

More from Alfred Hitchcock

  1. Some of our most exquisite murders have been domestic, performed with tenderness in simple, homey places like the kitchen table

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  2. There is no terror in a bang, only in the anticipation of it.

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. I never said actors were cattle. All I said is that actors should be treated as cattle.

    Permalink to quote #36

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