H

ow often does cinema drag you to the edge of your seat? The murderous character of Norman Bates had a generation twitching their shower curtain – just to be on the safe side – and every Hitchcock film from The Birds to Vertigo is today firmly lodged in mainstream consciousness.

Synonymous with suspense, Hitchcock’s films are cultural artefacts of the highest order, benchmarks of the cinematic craft, and windows to a colourful and fascinating man.

Well, the edge of your seat beckons once more. If you’re dying to get into Hitchcock, and particularly if you want to see a few of his earlier works, then the BFI has plenty for you to get excited about. Part of the London 2012 Festival, The Genius of Hitchcock sees gala screenings of his silent classics, beginning in June 2012. Among these, The Lodger is considered the first true ‘Hitchcock’ film, and comes charged with the suspense that would later be the director’s calling card.

The films will be shown at major London landmarks and with live orchestral accompaniment, so the atmosphere will be second to none. In many cases, the aptness of the venue will add an extra tingle, particularly in the case of The Pleasure Garden.

It’s set in a music hall, and will be screened in one of the last of London’s remaining music hall venues – Wilton’s Music Hall. You can really soak up that Hitchcock thrill, not to mention the atmosphere of the London 2012 Festival, which will be happening all around you!