In 1960, master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock unleashed what is now considered his masterpiece upon the world: Psycho. It was a groundbreaking film that changed the way we looked at suspense and horror at the cinema.
In the new film Hitchcock, directed by Sacha Gervasi and based upon Stephen Rebello’s Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, we enter Hitchcock’s strange and macabre world as he spins his grand vision onto the silver screen. And it is one of the best-acted films you will see this year.
The film opens with Hitchcock having just finished the release of North by Northwest, in search of his next project. He feels out of place in the Hollywood system, continually being compared to newer up-and-coming filmmakers. Not willing to kowtow to the competition and threat of new talent, Hitchcock denounces the idea of retirement and instead, against everyone’s wishes, declares Psycho will be his next movie. Thus, we follow the story of Psycho; how its creator worked, what brought him inspiration, and a look at his very close relationship with his wife, Alam Reville. The movie is presented choronologically and shows both how a movie is made and the trouble even cinematic greats have to endure to get their work done.
Alfred Hitchcock is portrayed brilliantly by Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins in hands-down one of the best performances of his career. Hopkins deserves at least an Academy Award nomination for a performance that embodies Hitchcock right down to his speech, body language, and facial expressions with the assistance of some really great make-up, prostheses, and a fake belly. Hopkin’s Hitchcock has a dark, compelling sense of humor that provides some real laugh-out-loud moments, but all of Hopkins’ classic wit and intelligence. Watching him is a sheer delight.
Coming right behind Hopkins is the equally talented Oscar-winner Helen Mirren as Alam Reville, Hitchcock’s wife. Mirren’s performance is no less scene-stealing, playing Alma with great style and poise. Her portrayal of Hitchcock’s collaborator, sounding board, and one of the few people he listened to is believable and compelling. Some of the best scenes in the movie are shared between these two.
Hitchcock is the narrative directorial debut of Sacha Gervasi, who up to this point has made a career mostly as a screenwriter (his only other directing gig was for the award-winning documentary, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, a 2008 film about the Canadian heavy metal band). Re-writing the script for Hitchcock and then being able to direct the film must have been a massive achievement and proud moment for Gervasi. This is clearly a labor of love, tangible in every scene, and I look forward to Gervasi’s future projects if they even have only half the love he gave Hitchcock.
If you are a fan of old Hollywood, Alfred Hitchcock films or just great movie making, this is a movie you should see. It takes you on a journey that blends fantasy and biography, a spirited and provocative film to watch.