Hitchcock

   When I first heard of this movie, I imagined a good core of it would be based on the actual making of "Psycho", and the rest would be dedicated to Hitchcock's marriage, wandering eye, obsession with anything in a dress, etc. Sadly I was mistaken, as these details murdered the other ones in terms of what occupied the most time on screen.

Anthony Hopkins plays the title character, as he's striving to reach his next big hit, something different and fresh that will get people surprised in his work again. With his loyal wife Alma (Helen Mirren) by his side, Hitchcock strives to make Psycho, despite the several issues with the MPAA, the graphic content used in the film (most notably the shower scene and a risqué shot of a toilet...no I'm not kidding), and the issue of a wandering eye, with Hitchcock keeping a good look on his costars just a little too often, and his wife Alma involving herself in a relationship with a "friend" who wants to be more than friends.

Hitchcock's costumes and visuals deserve and some Academy recognition. Every scene is shot perfectly. The atmosphere is stunning, the looks of the characters really make you feel like you're watching an entirely different decade all together, and I loved the set pieces involved in the making of Psycho.

The performances are also impressive. Anthony Hopkins nails the obsession and determination that drove Hitchcock to this sheer greatness. Helen Mirren holds her own as well, as the wife with the bubbling resentment that eventually bubbles over in a perfectly delivered speech. Scarlett Johansson also gives a noteworthy performance as Psycho's lead actress, her performance is full of charm and radiance.

Sadly though, Hitchcock drags at times. Clearly the marriage between Hitchcock and Alma had issues, but I felt the film felt way too much time repeating these conflicts and arguments the two had. I would have much rather preferred watching more time in the movie being invested to the making of the movie that made Hitchcock the cinematic pimp he was known to be. Hitchcock needed to summon a bit more of the same attitude as Norman Bates but sadly the movie never delivers the crazy that you would want it to.

3/4