Hitchcock

 How would you envisage a film depicting the father of film? Perhaps, just maybe, homage the many wondrous film innovations created throughout his splendiferous and lengthy career? Possibly endeavor to highlight the genius through seemingly similar genius and/or equally sensational measures? Well, the bar has been set with the new Hitchcock adaptation, and between you and me, it’s not spectacularly high. 

In his directorial debut, Sacha Gervasi has created an enchanting depiction of the life and times of Alfred Hitchcock during his most poignant career title, Psycho, highlighting the strain from studio pressure and the concurring implications on the relationship between himself and wife, Alma Reville. Hitchcock, played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins, is infectious on screen; the duo of Hopkins and screen wife, played masterfully by Helen Mirren, is delightful. Each character is beautifully and successfully brought to life by the charming ensemble, especially with names such as Scarlett Johansson, Tony Collette, and Jessica Biel. Unfortunately the performances within Htchcock, albeit commendable, are not great enough to take the mediocre aesthetic of the film to the next level.

The expectations that I occupied in anticipation for Hitchcock were wrongly crafted. The want and wishes I had manifested for a Hitchcock-like presence within the mise-en-scene of the film were substandard, and by the end of a ninety-eight minute run-of-the-mill movie, I was just about ready to cry. There are obvious concerted efforts in an attempt to create the voyeuristic attitude, (eg. Dark corners, short sharp montage sequences, over use of shutter blinds etc.) however these moments left me aching for a more innovative homage to the legend that is Alfred Hitchcock.

What Sasha Gervasi has ironically, and undoubtedly by accident, created in Hitchcock is a greater appreciation for the true master of the screen medium. Hitchcock is a good movie with exciting performances with an equally exciting story, but what component that is missing from the polished final masterpiece is a hefty dash of pizazz. The story that wanted to be told was told; a compelling tale of a tested marriage in the midst of stardom and pressure, and the genius that broke through the doubting crowds. Sadly my own expectations of wonder and innovation left me, funnily enough, thoroughly entertained, yet bitterly broken hearted.