While some movies are made to attract the widest audience possible, others instead try to find a niche. "Hitchcock" is most definitely a "niche film" primarily appealing to those interested in the Master himself, "Psycho" buffs, or just fans of the movie-making process in general.
For a basic plot summary, "Hitchcock" falls into third main plot lines: First and foremost is Hitchcock's (Anthony Hopkins) tumultuous relationship with wife Alma Reville (Helen Mirren). Second, is his fascination with serial killer Ed Gein (Michael Wincott) that leads him to stand firm behind "Psycho" even when the major film studios want nothing to do with it. Third, are the interactions between him and the cast of Psycho, primarily Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), Vera Miles (Jessica Biel), and Anthony Perkins (James D'arcy).
For fans of Hitchcock the director, this film sheds some potential light on what must have been churning through his mind while making the motion picture he ultimately became best known for. His obsession with murder and his total devotion to his work are adeptly portrayed in the movie by director Sacha Gervasi, leading of course to a roiling home life that inevitably creeps into his movie-making ways. Even just seeing the larger-than-life Hitch (played marvelously by Hopkins) come to life on the big screen is a treat for fans of his work.
Another interesting avenue this film explores in-depth is the process by which a movie gets made in Hollywood. Hitchcock is constantly in need of money, battling the censors, and struggling to meet deadlines. On a more micro level, his interactions with the main players of "Psycho" lend greater understanding into why the film ultimately became such a huge success.
Overall, then, being a big Hitchcock fan for many years, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this movie. If this kind of stuff doesn't seem like it would interest you, then more than likely it probably will not.
For a basic plot summary, "Hitchcock" falls into third main plot lines: First and foremost is Hitchcock's (Anthony Hopkins) tumultuous relationship with wife Alma Reville (Helen Mirren). Second, is his fascination with serial killer Ed Gein (Michael Wincott) that leads him to stand firm behind "Psycho" even when the major film studios want nothing to do with it. Third, are the interactions between him and the cast of Psycho, primarily Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), Vera Miles (Jessica Biel), and Anthony Perkins (James D'arcy).
For fans of Hitchcock the director, this film sheds some potential light on what must have been churning through his mind while making the motion picture he ultimately became best known for. His obsession with murder and his total devotion to his work are adeptly portrayed in the movie by director Sacha Gervasi, leading of course to a roiling home life that inevitably creeps into his movie-making ways. Even just seeing the larger-than-life Hitch (played marvelously by Hopkins) come to life on the big screen is a treat for fans of his work.
Another interesting avenue this film explores in-depth is the process by which a movie gets made in Hollywood. Hitchcock is constantly in need of money, battling the censors, and struggling to meet deadlines. On a more micro level, his interactions with the main players of "Psycho" lend greater understanding into why the film ultimately became such a huge success.
Overall, then, being a big Hitchcock fan for many years, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this movie. If this kind of stuff doesn't seem like it would interest you, then more than likely it probably will not.