Hitchcock

It's 1959, and Alfred Hitchcock is fresh off the success of "North by Northwest".  He's bored, and he's looking for his next great achievement. He picks up a pulp horror novel called "Psycho", and becomes convinced that this will be his next project.  The movie "Hitchcock" is about his efforts to get the film made, while dealing with multiple issues. First, there's his relationship with his wife Alma Reville. She's his closest collaborator, but she's tired of the self-sacrifice this constantly requires, and is anxious to show what she can do on her own.  Then there's the studios, who are loathe to spend money on a campy horror movie, that they're not even sure they can distribute, as there's no possible way it will get past the censors.

How this all plays out is great campy fun. I absolutely loved this movie.  That said, it's probably not for everyone.  It is definitely an "Art-House" picture, and will have a limited appeal, mainly to those like myself who are enthralled by movie history.  The acting is all amazing, and that's saying something.  Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, and Toni Collette are terrific as always. But who'd have thought Scarlett Johanson and Jessica Biel would have it in them.  It's an incredible achievement for first-time feature director Sasha Gervasi.  One small quibble - I could have completely done without Danny Huston's character.

(Word to the wise: Like I said, this movie is not for everyone.  There are several scenes of Hitch commiserating with serial killer Ed Gein, model for the character of Norman Bates. While these are all an illusion, they may be uncomfortable for some.  And some conservative types may also be uncomfortable with the characterization of Anthony Perkins as a closeted gay man, although it is accurate.)