Hitchcock

One thing that I've noticed is when a biopic film is made, it's usually never about the person's life as much as it is about a certain portion of their life. As with the case of "Hitchcock", it centers on that part of Alfred Hitchcock's making of his 1960 release of "Psycho".

It's 1959. Following his great success with "North by Northwest", director Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) makes a daring choice for his next project: an adaptation of Robert Bloch's novel "Psycho". When Paramount Pictures' chief executive, Barney Balaban (Richard Portnow) refuses to finance the film, Hitchcock is forced to pay for it himself in exchange for 40% of the profits. His wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), has serious reservations about the film, but supports him nonetheless. As the film is cast, Anthony Perkins (James D'Arcy), Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), and Vera Miles (Jessica Biel), the production still becomes a strain on the couple's marriage.

Others to round out the cast are Danny Houston as Whitfield Cook, friend of Alma's, Toni Collette as Peggy Robertson, Hitchcock's faithful assistant/secretary, Michael Stuhlbarg as Lew Wasserman, Hitchcock's agent, Michael Wincott as Ed Gein, the man in which the novel "Psycho" is based on, Kurtwood Smith as Geoffrey Shurlock, head of rating association, Ralph Macchio as Joseph Stefano, screenwriter for "Psycho", Kai Lennox as Hilton Green, Tara Summers as Rita Riggs, and Wallace Langham as Saul Bass.

This was deftly directed by virtual newcomer Sacha Gervasi ("Anvil: The Story of Anvil" (Documentary) '08). The pacing of this and the emotions he was able to extract from his actors was incredible. This guy will certainly go far in the directing arena. This was written by John J. McLaughlin ("Death Collector" '88, "The Last Good Time" '94, "Man of the House" '05, "Black Swan" '10) based on Stephen Rebello's book "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho". This was extremely well written in that it really showcased Alma's dedication to her husband's work, but at the same time, helping a friend with a book he wrote and having the ability to connect the two situations.

Obviously if you are a Hitchcock affictionato, you will revel, but even if one isn't, you can still respect the method acting approach which Hopkins definitely gave his character. He will receive an Oscar nod as will Mirren as Alma. As you're watching this, Hopkins becomes so convincing as the title role, that you may get mesmerised and think you're watching the real thing.

Out of 4 stars: 4                     Rated: PG-13                        98mins.