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| Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren |
"Hitchcock" is the new drama about Alfred Hitchcock and the making of his classic horror film "Psycho." Superbly acted by Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren as Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, it sometimes loses focus with a couple of unnecessary subplots, but for cinema lovers the behind-the-scenes making of the film will be a treat. Based on the 1990 non-fiction novel "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho," it examines the process that Hitchock (Hopkins) and his long-suffering wife Alma (Mirren) went through to make the now-classic film that became a watershed in cinema, not to mention the professional and personal challenges they went through. Directed by Sacha Gervasi (of the acclaimed documentary "Anvil"), the clear highlight of the enjoyable "Hitchcock" is the excellent, believable performances from Hopkins and Mirren, who provide some amusing tit-for-tat throughout the film. Their relationship is likely much more stylized and romanticized than it was in real life, but they make for a great couple, and the film gives considerable credit to the talented Alma, who in fact did help Hitch much more than the public realizes. Hopkins and Mirren are given great support from a bevy of A-list actors, including Toni Collette as Hitch's secretary and personal assistant Peggy; Scarlet Johansson as Janet Leigh; James D'Arcy as Anthony Perkins and even Jessica Biel in a small role as actress Vera Miles. "Hitchcock" is understandably less successful, particularly in the last act, when it veers off the film in an attempt to understand Hitch's inspiration for "Psycho" and Alma's desire to be an author. Hopkins, under considerable makeup and padding, doesn't resemble or sound much like Hitch, but much like he did with Richard Nixon, gives a forceful, charming performance that will win you over. The famous "Psycho" shower scene is also partially re-enacted, but from a filmmaker's point of view. Mirren and Hopkins are both Oscar-worthy candidates in strong performances, and they're the best reason to see the entertaining, often fun "Hitchcock."
Wes's Grade: B+
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