REVIEW

DIRECTOR: Sacha Gervasi

STARRING: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson

RATING: 4/5

Anthony Hopkins adopts the large personality of the world-renowned director Alfred Hitchcock in this light-hearted, quite dramatic biopic. It tries to capture the life and loves of Hitchcock during the filming of one of his most famous and iconic films, Psycho.

Hitchcock seems intent on depicting the director’s troublesome and borderline disturbing attributes, as well as his obsession with his leading ladies. The insight given to his personal life will leave many of his fans questioning his intentions, but Hopkins cleverly portrays the directorial genius as an admirable and slightly vulnerable character with a sentimental personality; something that anyone could easily find appealing.

While Scarlett Johansson’s character blends the filmmaking process with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Helen Mirren gives a brilliant performance as Hitchcock’s talented and devoted wife, Alma Reville. Her career as a playwright is given focus, allowing the audience to see how the talented duo give all the ÔÇÿsmall touches’ to the finishing product of Psycho.

One of the major positive qualities of this film is its ability to encourage a sentimental attitude towards its characters and the major themes within the film. I found myself entertained and attached to the main characters with their light humour and passion for filmmaking. I would definitely recommend this film, even if you have never seen a Hitchcock motion picture.

Rachel Williams