The much anticipated Alfred Hitchcock biopic finally hit preview screens this week, and having already been tipped for Oscar success, the performances and subsequent reviews seem to echo that gossip.
Sacha Gervasi has taken the helm of the film, re-writing the script and directing an impressive cast, including Anthony Hopkins as the man himself, Helen Mirren as his wife, plus Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, James DArcy and Danny Huston. The story begins in the wake of the wildly successful North by Northwest, as Hitchcock finds himself at a bit of a dead end for projects. The plot itself mostly revolves around his interesting relationship with his wife, Alma, Hitchcock's love of his blonde leads, and around the creation of his most famous work, Psycho. The Guardian has praised all the performances, particularly Mirren, "she is the film's - hell, both films' - secret heroine. Forget all those blondes - count on the redhead." The Hollywood Reporter has nothing but good words to say for Gervasi, who "displays abundant energy and visual tact at the helm" and desribes the film as a whole as "undeniably lively and provocative"- much like Hitchcock's own work.
Almost any artist, whether a writer, musician, film maker or sculptor, if they make something great it often means their life is interesting. Hitchcock continues to prove this rule, as arguably one of the greatest film makers of all time, his character, relationships and thus his life, make for fascinating viewing, all made possible by an utterly brilliant ensemble to bring life to his life.
