Film: Hitchcock

Covering the making of Psycho, Hitchcock provides a look in to the man behind the masterpiece. Beginning with the master of suspense looking for a new type of film to get him out of the rut he believes he has entered in to, it follows the trials and tribulations to get Psycho made. 

Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock is obviously the stand out of the film. Immersing himself fully in to the role, he perfectly captures his often flamboyant mannerisms; becoming the man. Willing to show his bizarre voyeurism and obsession with his female leads, the classic 'Hitchcock Blonde', the film attempts to give a totally accurate portrayal of the man. The decision to present him as if he's on the verge of becoming as homicidal as his main character is an interesting one. The scenes of him conversing with the real life killer in his head are frankly a bit over-the-top, especially as we know Hitch is never going to go off on a killing spree. However the scene of him attacking Scarlett Johansson's character in the shower, in his mind slaughtering all his critics and rivals, is one of the film's most striking images. Even more impressive is the scene of him 'composing' and dancing along to the music from the shower scene of Psycho, preparing for the audience's screams; showing his commitment and love for his films.

Helen Mirren is also fantastic as his wife, Alma Reville, the woman who has worked with Hitch on all his films but is eclipsed by her husband's shadow. Their relationship is an interesting one, not exactly romantic but there seems to be love there. When at the film's end he admits his films are nothing without her it's a surprisingly sweet moment. 

The film's supporting cast are all very good. Scarlett Johansson is Hitchcock's current blonde, Janet Leigh, apparently one of the few who didn't see him as a monster. She does a good job in the role, in the scenes of her filming for Psycho she is almost indistinguishable from Leigh. In fact this is one of the film's great successes, the recreation of Psycho. Jessica Biel in a much smaller role as Vera Miles is in Hitch's eyes a great failure, she was meant to be the lead in Vertigo but dropped out when she became pregnant. She has under contract with him so he casts her in a small role as a form of punishment, Jessica Biel portrays her well as being rather paranoid about Hitch who she seems to believe is omniscient.

A not wholly accurate portrayal of the master of suspense but still an interesting look in to what he may have been like. A must see for any one who is fan of his films, especially Psycho. The only problem is that it feels like you could probably gleam more enjoyment from watching the original film, so if you have to choose between the two just go buy Psycho on DVD.