Alfred Hitchcock is a name no one could be unfamiliar with. A British director who then went on to take Hollywood by storm, 5-time Oscar nominee who worked on more than fifty decades in a career that spanned half a century, Hitchcock is nothing short of a legend. Be it Strangers on a Train, Dial M for Murder, Rebecca, Rear Window, Birds, and so many more, each of his works could be separately talked about and discussed. But a conversation on Alfred Hitchcock cannot start without uttering the word Psycho. One of the great movies of the last century, and considered Hitchcock's best work, Psycho (1960) was a story filled with suspense, intrigue, horror, to an extent unknown in that era. And as is with any great movie, there is always an equally intriguing plot behind the making of the film as much as there is in it.
Hitchcock is based on Alfred Hitchcock's time during the making of Psycho and concentrates more on his relationship with his wife Alma Reville during this period. Having a tad bit of obsession about the actresses that he eventually turns into superstars, Hitchcock deals with the strains that erupt in the relationship between the great director and his wife and how the two manage this phase in their lives. But don't get me wrong, for it is hardly melodramatic. While Hitchcock has its 'drama' moments, it is still light-hearted in its approach showcasing the legend handling the stress of his work and life issues. Hitchcock also brings forth the gamble that Alfred Hitchcock took with Psycho by financing it on his own, his obsession about the ending remaining a secret (to such levels that he had his secretary buy all the copies which she could find of the book Psycho, on which the movie was to be based), and his disputes with Paramount for the distribution of the movie.
Anthony Hopkins is as good as it gets when one talks of quality acting. His acting prowess is something one dare not even question, for the man is impeccable. Be it regularly fashioning the Hitchcock poise with the arms on the side and the stomach jutting out, or the drooping eyes, or the drooling manner of speech, Hopkins was perfect (helped by of course great makeup work which was Oscar-nominated). But matching him every step of the way is Hellen Mirren as Alma Reville. She is graceful as Hitchcock's wife, being the toughie that is required to handle such a great artist who may tend to lose his way, and being the delicate wife who at times just needs a hug. Her laughs, her frowns, her annoyance, her need for love, all is portrayed so effortlessly, something only an actor of Helen Mirren's calibre can pull off. Scarlett Johansson is charming in her portrayal as the famous actress Janet Leigh, who starred in Psycho. Despite the presence of other stalwarts, Johansson makes most of her screen time so as not to be overshadowed. The supporting cast manage their bits neatly, though sadly James D'Arcy who portrays Anthony Perkins (aka Norman Bates of Psycho) has limited footage and Norman Bates will always be missed, even if it be in a movie just dealing with an aspect of the making of Psycho.
While the film more or less guarantees an astute performance by its actors, what it lacks is in terms of being neater and crisper, something that Hitchcock himself was so brilliant at. There are certain scenes that seem overly stretched and others that could have been longer. The plot at times loses its way between showcasing the making of Psycho or the relationship between Hitchcock and Reville and thus does not do justice entirely to both the elements. Maybe with a stronger writing team and a more experienced director (for this was Sacha Gervasi's first full length feature film as director), Hitchcock after all had a plot that could have been converted into a classic film. But having said this, it is still a lovely peek into one of the most influential movie directors of all time. And if you are a lover of Psycho, or any Hitchcock work, this is a chapter of his life worth knowing. Do not miss!
PS: This is one of the original posters released by Alfred Hitchcock for Psycho. He extended the buzz about the movie by declaring a 'no late admission' rule which eventually led to long lines outside the theatres before the screening of Psycho. Great men do things their own way!
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