Watch Hitchcock

"Hitchcock" is a biographical drama film from 2012 that tells the story of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and his struggle to make his seminal horror film "Psycho." The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock, Helen Mirren as his wife Alma Reville, and Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, the actress who plays the lead in "Psycho."

The film is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when Hitchcock was at the height of his career but struggling to find a new project to revive his creative energy. He becomes fascinated with Robert Bloch's new novel "Psycho," and decides to adapt it into a movie despite resistance from his studio Paramount Pictures, who sees the project as too low-budget and potentially damaging to Hitchcock's reputation.

With his wife Alma as his close collaborator and confidante, Hitchcock begins to prepare for the production of "Psycho" by hiring a new screenwriter and assembling a cast and crew. He faces many obstacles along the way, including a disapproving censorship board and setbacks in the production process.

The movie also explores Hitchcock's complex relationship with his wife, which is strained by his obsession with his leading ladies and his growing paranoia about her fidelity. Alma, who is also a writer and editor, begins to distance herself from Hitchcock as she becomes more involved in the making of the film, which leads to confrontations and ultimately a turning point in their relationship.

Throughout the film, there are references to Hitchcock's famous style and techniques, such as his use of suspense and visual storytelling. The movie also delves into the darker aspects of his personality, such as his compulsive behavior and his tendency to manipulate and control those around him.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, particularly from Hopkins and Mirren. Hopkins expertly captures Hitchcock's mannerisms and way of speaking, while also bringing a depth of emotion to the role. Mirren is equally impressive as Alma, conveying her intelligence and strength as well as her vulnerability.

Johansson also shines in her portrayal of Janet Leigh, capturing the actress's mix of glamour and down-to-earth charm. The supporting cast includes notable actors such as Toni Collette, Danny Huston, and Jessica Biel, who all bring their own nuances to their respective roles.

The film's direction by Sacha Gervasi is stylish and visually striking, with a focus on recreating the era and mood of the early 1960s. The score by Danny Elfman is effective in creating tension and heightening the suspense of key scenes.

Overall, "Hitchcock" is an engaging and entertaining biopic that offers a fresh perspective on the life and career of one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. Whether you are a fan of Alfred Hitchcock or simply appreciate a well-made film, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Hitchcock is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 55.