Fox Searchlight’s Hitchcock biopic starring (Sir) Anthony Hopkins as the Master of Suspense – and Helen Mirren as his better half, Alma Reville – got a poster and release date just three weeks ago. The trailer makes it abundantly clear why this flick is arriving in the middle of Oscar season. In essence, it’s the sort of star-studded good-natured trip through Hollywood’s history that comes pre-packaged with awards buzz on the grounds of its cast and subject matter alone (the actual film looks entertaining too).
Hitchcock is described as “a love story” about the titular filmmaker and his wife, as reflected through their collective experience making Psycho (drawing from Stephen Rebello’s written account of the events).
The trailer footage is cut together as an cheeky imitation of Hitchcock’s staccato editing style, assembling clips that tease the filmmaker’s constant sardonic sense of humor – be he pruning the roses with Alma at home or pretending to stab Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson) while shooting the iconic ‘shower scene’ from Psycho. That allows the promo to play out as a ‘greatest hit’ collection of famous anecdotes about Hitchcock’s picture (which established the modern slasher genre) that are part of your average film student’s curriculum; whether the actual movie feels that way, is another matter.
For my money, Hopkins appears to be having fun channeling Hitchcock’s well-documented droll mannerisms, while Mirren looks as engaging as ever as the feisty Alma. The scenes where the two banter back and forth over various topics (be it mortgaging the house to pay for production or killing Leigh’s character 30 minutes into Psycho) should justify the price of admission on their own.
Helen Mirren and Anthony Hopkins in ‘Hitchcock’
The Hitchcock ensemble includes Jessica Biel (Total Recall), James D’Arcy (Cloud Atlas), Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire), Toni Collette (United States of Tara), Danny Huston (Magic City) and Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), but this is foremost Hopkins and Mirren’s show. Those two should bring enough emotional resonance to the proceedings in Hitchcock to elevate this cinematic history lesson above conventionality (and, let’s face it, once again prove that Oscar-baiting really does work).
Hitchcock was written for the screen by John J. McLaughlin (Black Swan) and directed by Sacha Gervasi (Anvil: The Story of Anvil). It opens in U.S. theaters on November 23rd, 2012.
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Source: iTunes Movie Trailers
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This looks to be great fun and appears to
show the great man the respect he deserves.
Known for his dry wit and dark humor Hitchcock
himself would appreciate any laugh at his expense.
I have rewatched more films by Hitchcock than any
other director and see something new each time.
Alfred may very well be the greatest director.
Damn right, Robert. Damn right. Psycho’s my favorite horror film and Hopkins as Hitchcock makes me giddy to watch this movie.
And the fact that Ralph Macchio is in this… hell yeah!
“It was a challenge not to show them.”
Ha!
The true story about the making of Psycho is absolutely fascinating and I encourage all cinema buffs to read about it if possible. Hitchcock dealt with obstacles from was there actual nudity during the shower scene to wether or not they could show a toilet on screen. Seriously, that was an actual issue.
As cliche as it sounds it’s the story that matters most here, so I hope this movie does the story justice. And if the performances are great that’s a bonus IMO.
The story is indeed fascinating and if told faithfully
this movie will work without any great performances
and it is safe to assume they will at minimum be good.
This looks awesome and Hopkins looks like he has finally found a role he can get stuck into! He seems to have only ever given half hearted performances for years, an Oscar nod is surely on the cards!
Love Psycho, it is the ultimate horror film from the master!
One of my absolute must-see films in late 2012.
Look’s fantastic. Hitchcock and his wife had a cool relationship. Hopkins/Mirren chemistry looks superb.