Don’t Breathe (2016) | Presenting Hitchcock Podcast

Gooooood evening. In this month’s episode of Presenting Hitchcock, Cory and Aaron think they see what’s going on as they discuss Don’t Breathe.

Written by: Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues

Starring: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Trailer:

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Hitchcock comparisons

• Dial M for Murder
• Rope
• Psycho
• Frenzy

Álvarez has called the film an “exercise in reversal” noting that the film deliberately subverts tropes such as the fact that the house in question is a “nice house on a scary street” as opposed to the opposite, or that the movie is a home invasion story told from the point of view of the invaders.

Though the film is set in Detroit, it was primarily shot in Hungary; only a few views of Detroit were actually filmed there.

Fede Álvarez noted that making the film was, in some ways, a reaction to his debut film Evil Dead (2013), specifically the criticisms that the film had too much blood, focused too much on shocking the audience, and was a remake. In response, Álvarez decided to make Don’t Breathe, an original story that contained less blood and focused more on suspense over shocking audiences.

Stephen Lang wore contact lenses that greatly restricted his vision, particularly in low light. The other actors, in the scene taking place in the dark, wore lenses that made them look like they had dilated pupils but also greatly restricted their vision.

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Next up, we’ll be discussing This Gun for Hire

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