"Even Hitchcock liked to think of himself as a puppeteer who was manipulating the strings of his audience and making them jump. He liked to think he had that kind of control"

The quote by David Cronenberg defines Alfred Hitchcock as a master of audience control, comparable to a puppeteer with his marionettes. Hitchcock, renowned for his suspenseful storytelling and mental thrillers, is often credited with having an exceptional capability to engage and control viewers' emotions, assisting them through a carefully crafted narrative experience. The example of a puppeteer suggests several layers of interpretation regarding Hitchcock's filmmaking techniques and his impact on audiences.

Primarily, the contrast highlights Hitchcock's accuracy and intentionality in filmmaking. Like a puppeteer controlling the detailed motions of puppets, Hitchcock meticulously developed each aspect of his films-- from electronic camera angles and lighting to character development and plot twists-- with the objective of eliciting particular emotional reactions. His films are often noted for their in-depth storyboards and premeditated shots, which suggest his desire for total story control.

Furthermore, Hitchcock's proficiency over thriller can be seen as his ability to keep audiences teetering on the edge of their seats. By having fun with viewers' expectations and utilizing strategies such as dramatic paradox and the MacGuffin, he could manipulate the psychological strings of his audience, leading them to experience fear, tension, or relief exactly when he planned. This speaks to his profound understanding of human psychology and narrative timing.

The idea that Hitchcock "liked to think he had that type of control" talks to his self-awareness and confidence in his craft. Hitchcock savored the power characteristics in between filmmaker and audience. He typically broke the fourth wall, inviting audiences to end up being a part of the story's tension, thereby heightening their psychological investment and immersion in the film.

In conclusion, Cronenberg highlights Hitchcock's legacy as a filmmaker who not just amused however orchestrated an emotional journey with each movie. Viewing his audience as an ensemble of responses to be assisted, Hitchcock left an enduring mark on movie theater, setting a requirement for the mastery of thriller and control over audience engagement.