The Making of a Classic: A Look at Hitchcock’s “Psycho”
Following the release of “North by Northwest” in 1959, the legendary Sir Alfred Hitchcock conceived a new film inspired by a story about a maniac obsessed with his mother. Despite initial skepticism from producers who doubted the project’s potential, Hitchcock, undeterred, decided to finance the film himself. This passion project would eventually become the iconic thriller, “Psycho.”
At first glance, Alfred Hitchcock’s life might seem like an unlikely subject for a compelling biopic. A long and stable marriage to Alma Reville, his creative partner, doesn’t immediately scream cinematic drama. While their life undoubtedly had its complexities, they remained largely private. To craft an engaging narrative from a hint of marital discord requires a master of suspense, something this film about the making of “Psycho” sorely lacks.
Behind the Scenes: “Psycho” Facts
- The film was shot in a remarkably short 36 days.
- Initially, Andrew Garfield was considered for the role that ultimately went to Anthony Perkins.
- Legend has it that a young Anthony Hopkins once encountered Hitchcock in a restaurant.
A Drama Lost in Translation
The film presents a premise seemingly pieced together from tabloid snippets about a near-infidelity. However, the narrative struggles to find a compelling climax or resolution, seemingly lost in the pursuit of the perfect red swimsuit for Helen Mirren. Neither Hitchcock’s personal relationship with Alma nor the creative process of making “Psycho” generates sufficient dramatic tension.
The film ends up feeling like a cross between a biographical documentary and a celebrity profile, with the best moments relying heavily on Anthony Hopkins’ understated performance and well-chosen camera angles. We see him silently smoking a cigar, observing the world with a knowing gaze, lounging in a bathtub reading a newspaper that dubs Clouzot “the French Hitchcock,” and eagerly awaiting the audience’s reaction outside the theater.
One wonders what the master of suspense himself would have thought of this portrayal.