Hitchcock (Jo**1/2)

Alfred Hitchcock is undoubtably one of cinema's most iconic characters. We knew so much about his films, his style, his creative processes, but the man himself was little more than a silhouette. What Hitchcock then sets out to do is admirable, but ultimately lost in its own sensationalism. Here is a film that had potential for greatness but failed to see where.

The film, of course, is a chronicle of the making of Hitchcock's most famous film, 'Psycho,' based on a Wisconsin serial killer named Ed Gein. Finding his next project after the enormous success of 'North By Northwest,' Hitchcock ultimately stumbles upon the novel, and without further debate, settles on the film as his next project. Much of the film's humor comes from the macabre topics the story is ultimately based on, as Hitchcock casually shows backers photographs of severed heads when trying to raise money for the project.

The film, which could have elaborated the struggles to make the film and the creative processes behind it, instead veers towards Hitchcock's marital problems. There is no doubt that Alma Hitchcock, his wife, was an integral part of his life, but when you are making a film about the behind the scenes aspect of a famous film, we as an audience do not necessarily want to spend an hour watching suspicions of an affair. In fact, little of the film even focuses on 'Psycho,' itself. And there's the problem. The film fails to recognize its target audience: film buffs. How much of Alma's story portrayed in the film is speculative? The same goes for Alfred. It is very easy to find a film about a troubled marriage, but how many films deal with the creative processes of Alfred Hitchcock, himself?

The acting, however, is exemplary. Anthony Hopkins all but disappears in the role (and makeup) to create a convincing Hitchcock, though at times it does feel a bit more caricature. Helen Mirren, likewise, is once again stunning in her co-leading role. Her character undoubtedly deals with much of the film's conflict, and in many ways she could be the film's actual protagonist.

Though there are a few nominations that could be had with Hitchcock, I would not be surprised to see it passed by entirely. The film had potential, but it truly failed to deliver what could have easily been one of the best films of the year.

(Awards potential: Best Actor (Hopkins), Best Actress (Mirren), Best Makeup)