Meaning: The quote "I didn't hang around films. I don't know if I'd ever seen Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes." by Patricia Highsmith, the renowned novelist, offers an insight into her perspective on films and a specific work by the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. Patricia Highsmith is best known for her psychological thrillers, including "Strangers on a Train" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley," and her unique approach to storytelling. In this quote, she suggests a certain detachment from the world of cinema, raising questions about her relationship with the medium and the influence it may or may not have had on her work.

Patricia Highsmith's statement "I didn't hang around films" may indicate that she did not actively immerse herself in the film industry or engage extensively with movies as a form of entertainment or artistic inspiration. This detachment from the film world could be seen as somewhat surprising, given that her novels have been adapted into successful films, and her writing style often evokes a sense of visual storytelling. However, it also speaks to the individuality of her creative process and the sources of inspiration that shaped her writing.

The second part of the quote, "I don't know if I'd ever seen Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes," is particularly intriguing in the context of Highsmith's literary legacy. Alfred Hitchcock, often referred to as the "Master of Suspense," was a towering figure in the world of cinema, known for his mastery of the thriller genre. "The Lady Vanishes" (1938) is one of Hitchcock's early successes and remains a classic example of his skill in creating tension and mystery on screen. Highsmith's uncertainty about having seen this iconic film invites speculation about her familiarity with Hitchcock's work and its potential influence on her writing.

It is noteworthy that Highsmith's own writing is often characterized by its psychological depth, exploration of moral ambiguity, and the portrayal of complex, morally compromised characters. These themes align with some of Hitchcock's cinematic preoccupations, suggesting that there may be connections between their respective bodies of work, even if Highsmith did not actively engage with films or express a deep knowledge of Hitchcock's filmography. The quote, therefore, adds a layer of mystery to the relationship between Highsmith's literary output and the world of cinema.

Highsmith's unique perspective on films and her apparent distance from them raise questions about the nature of artistic influence and the ways in which different creative mediums intersect. While some writers and artists draw direct inspiration from films, others may maintain a more detached relationship with the cinematic medium, drawing influence from other sources or relying purely on their internal imaginative landscapes.

In conclusion, Patricia Highsmith's quote provides a thought-provoking glimpse into her relationship with the world of films and her perspective on Alfred Hitchcock's work. It invites readers to consider the complex and often mysterious ways in which creative influences operate across different artistic mediums, shedding light on the individuality of Highsmith's creative process and the enigmatic connections between literature and cinema.