Hitchcock Having A Moment
Alfred Hitchcock is having a moment. He's been dead for years, but now he's the subject of two movies. The first, "The Girl," premiered this month on HBO. The second, "Hitchcock," will be released in theaters in November.
Without a doubt, Hitchcock made a big impression on the movie business. Even years later, his films are still considered classics and benchmarks in their genre. He was inventive, had a great eye, and understood the importance of story. You can watch "Psycho" today and still be pulled into the story. "The Birds," even minus today's special effects wizardry, still creeps me out.
Of course the mark of any truly great filmmaker from the past is that their work stands alone — meaning no one wants to re-make it. That's certainly true of Hitchcock, making him a rare exception in this day and age.
Of course, back when Hitchcock was working the press was different too. That's what makes the stories coming out about him now a bit fascinating. "The Girl" is essentially based on Tippi Hedren's account of working with Hitchcock, his manner, and his inappropriate conduct toward her. The entire -90 minute film deconstructs their relationship and, in large part, his myth. It's striking to watch and a bit of a downer.
"Hitchcock" seems to take a look at the struggle to make "Psycho," now considered his most famous work. It looks to have a more upbeat tone toward the man, but sheds light on the behind the scenes struggle.
With today's level of media scrutiny, you have to wonder if these stories would be common knowledge if they happened now. My guess is they would be. But as it is, what these films are essentially doing is changing the legacy of a universally revered director. We'll have to see what "Hitchcock" is like, but based on "The Girl," I'm not sure that's a good thing.
I'm still going to see Hitchcock. Love his work, and I don't know anything about him. If it's a downer, well, I guess I wouldn't be surprised. He had one messed up and creative mind :) Ever listen to Stephen King talk? weirdo. And yeah, he just directed the things, not write them, but still.
ReplyDeleteA lot of creative people are weird and have their demons, but I just hope the movie is more about the process of making the film. "The Girl" broke down, for me, because it seemed mostly to be character assassination of Hitchcock. There is little about the movie that focuses on "The Birds" or "Marne," or the way the films are revered as classics. I just don't really see the point in what that film was trying to do. "Hitchcock" looks a little different, so hopefully it's more about the creative process and less about weird rumors that only surfaced after the man died.
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