In a recent Vanity Fair cover story, Dakota Johnson opened up about the terrifying gift her mother, Melanie Griffith, received from legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
Known for his influence on horror movies and the alleged destruction of Tippi Hedren's career, Hitchcock left a lasting impact on Griffith's family.
Describing Hitchcock as a “tyrant,” Johnson expressed her disdain for the filmmaker while acknowledging his talent and importance in the world of art.
However, she emphasized the destructive nature of power, stating that it can poison people.
Johnson revealed that her family experienced the effects of Hitchcock's venom throughout their lives.
One particularly disturbing incident involved a morbid Christmas gift given to Griffith when she was just a child.
According to reports, Hitchcock presented her with a tiny replica of Hedren in a miniature coffin.
Expressing her concern for her mother, Johnson described the gift as alarming, dark, and incredibly sad for a young girl.
The psychological effect it had on Griffith was profound, leaving her feeling scared and deeply affected.
The tumultuous professional relationship between Hedren and Hitchcock was depicted in the 2012 HBO movie, “The Girl.”
The film shed light on the toxic dynamic between the two and highlighted the predatory obsession that impacted Hedren's future work.
Johnson shared that she watched the movie alongside Hedren, which left a lasting impression on her.
She expressed her disappointment in not being forewarned about the content, especially considering the emotional toll it took on her mother.
Johnson also lamented how Hitchcock's actions prevented Hedren from having a successful career despite her incredible talent as an actress.
In a previous appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Griffith confirmed the existence of the doll mentioned by Johnson in the Vanity Fair interview.
She described the doll as wearing the same green suit and french twist hairstyle that Hedren donned in “The Birds.”
Griffith expressed the psychological impact of receiving such a gift and referred to Hitchcock as a “really weird guy.”
While acknowledging the dark aspects of Hitchcock's behavior, Griffith also praised “The Girl” as a “wonderful” project.
This revelation adds another layer to the complex legacy of Alfred Hitchcock and the lasting effects his actions had on the individuals involved.
The story serves as a reminder of the power dynamics within the film industry and the potential harm that can be inflicted by those in positions of authority.
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