Hitchcock Directed by: Sacha Gervasi Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson Rating: PG-13 Release Date: November 23, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 7/10
Thoughts by TSR: The reason I’m most interested in this film is because it’s based on the non-fiction book “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.” Too often biopics try doing a greatest hits thing that results in an unfocused mess. I’m much more partial to this, a story that depicts only one notable period of the subject’s life. And what better time in Alfred Hitchcock’s life than during the production of Psycho?
The recreation of the sets and time period look fantastic, as do the early moments shared by Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren. The quirkier exchanges in the garden and in bed – “Doris Day should make it as a musical” – are very appealing and both Oscar winners are in top form (though I’m skeptical of the makeup on Hopkins). Where the trailer risks losing me is in the latter portion when the drama gets cranked up to eleven. I’m hopeful it will balance better in the full film and come off less strained than it does here. Luckily, the rest is good enough that this just serves as a minor question mark for now. In addition to the performances and production design, I really like the music as well. It’s playful while still being a little creepy, and if it’s from Danny Elfman’s score it sounds like he’s turned in great work once more.
I was a bit surprised when Fox Searchlight added this to its end-of-year slate, but this first trailer mostly leaves me optimistic that Hitchcock will be interesting, darkly comedic, and worthy of the legendary director.