Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • December 19, 2012 ‘Hitchcock’ traces the making of ‘Psycho’ by Dennis Seuling “Hitchcock” is more a look at one chapter in the life of director Alfred Hitchcock than a comprehensive screen biopic. At age 60, the director was still at the top of his form, and was about to embark on the production of a motion picture that would become his most profitable and endure as one of his greatest cinematic achievements. Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) had just made one of the most popular and critically praised movies of his career -- “North by Northwest” - and was searching for his next project. By this point Anthony Hopkins (left) portrays Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock as he plans his 44th in his career, he was able feature film in ‘Hitchcock.’ to choose his own projects, “Hitchcock” jumps back and forth between the Hitchwhich were financed by major studios. Horror films had proven extremely profitable at the box cocks’ home life and Hitch’s work on the set. Alma, well office. They could be made cheaply and had a guaranteed, established in the British film industry and Hitchcock’s enthusiastic audience. Hitchcock wondered what would boss when he started out, remains a primary source of happen if a really good director were to make a horror film. professional feedback for him. He values her opinions and He found a novel by Robert Bloch called “Psycho” and saw often acts on them. An innocent relationship between Alma and writer in it infinite cinematic possibilities. With wife Alma (Helen Mirren), his constant companion Whitfield Cook (Danny Huston) creates jealousy on the and supporter, Hitchcock goes about planning “Psycho” as part of the director. This subplot underscores Alma’s desire his next picture. However, the studio regards the project as to exercise her own creative talent rather than remain in the tawdry and unworthy of financing. So he and Alma finance considerable shadow of a world-famous celebrity. The scenes between Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock ring true. it themselves. The actors Janet Leigh (Scarlet Johansson), Anthony Perkins (James D’Arcy), and Vera Miles (Jessica They have been married for many years and derive mutual (continued on Crossword page) Biel) are hired and production gets under way.