I was very excited to see the movie about Hitchcock. Hitchcock was and is famous for directing psychological thrillers and has been known as the Master of Suspense as well an auteur. He was also known to take his art seriously and was known to be a little arrogant. He famously said that, “Actors should be treated as cattle.” But what was not known until recent years that are until actress Tippi Hedren spoke up, was that Hitchcock was a rather controlling man. And moreover he was sexually inappropriate with female actresses. So naturally when I heard that they were making a movie about this man, which showed glimpses of his professional and personal side I had to see to see it!
The movie definitely showed the creep in Hitchcock. For instance, his room and Actress Vera Miles’ room were adjacent to one another. Hitchcock had a hole in the wall, so that he could spy on her in her room! He of course kept the hole hidden by concealing it with a painting; He also did the same with other actresses as well. But his creepiness didn’t stop with his voyeuristic tendencies. So sometimes he would come up behind people very stealthily and then he would place he would speak or he would even place his hands on their shoulders. Everyone from his secretary to his wife, found it rather jolting.
The movie however felt at times slow and was being dragged on at times. In addition, it felt rather boring. The movie was trying to show Hitchcock’s life after his success after one of his movies. Then the awkward phase in his life comes when he doesn’t know what to do next. He looks at one book which he is thinking of adapting. He picks a book, but his wife suggests another. He sticks to his book. He eventually starts production of Psycho, which he allots his house as an investment. During that time, his wife hangs out with one of his friends- who Hitchcock is slightly jealous towards. As the film progresses, it showcases his struggles on set and his wife’s fondness in working with his friend. But most of the scenes which showcase these events- him meeting with producers to fund the movie, he and his wife walking in their home, and even him on set are mostly all VERY BORING. It could be attributable to the story line, and the boringness of everydayness in the movie adds an neorealistic touch to the film. However, it also kills the movie and gives it a dull feeling.
But the film does have some saving parts to it. The acting is rather well. As I mentioned, it accurately portrays Hitchcock’s creepiness. Jessica Biel was also rather stunning as Vera Miles. This is the actress who Hitchcock despises because of her refusal to have an affair with him- especially when he promised that he could make her the next Grace Kelly. She seems the like the nice supporting actress who does her job as an actress well, but also wants a regular life. But what really saves the movie- both plot-wise, and pace-wise is the storyline of Helen Mirren’’s character Alma. When Hitchcock becomes ill, she comes into take over direction of the movie. It is surprising how much this woman knows about film. She comes in and says which lens to use, how each actor should pursue their character, etc. She helps Psycho wrap up, and she helps Hitchcock get better. I should add that her deciding to help Hitchcock go on set finally forces them to confront their marital issues. She tells him that he needs to give up his focus on his fantasy blondes if they are to be together. She too realizes that their mutual friend isn’t all that he seems to be. At the end of the movie, Hitchcock shares his award and success for Psycho with his wife and they seem to finally be sweet and loving towards each other.
The Bottom-line: 2.5 stars
Though this movie does a great portrayal of Hitchcock, wraps up the film nicely with the story of Alma, and there is an neorealistic quality to the film, it does drag and leaves one wondering… wait what is this film about? It just seems every day like at times, and doesn’t have a special plot quality to it.
