That, my dear, is why they call me the Master of Suspense.

Based on Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, a 20-year-old nonfiction novel. The author of the book did a detailed research on Hitchcock's 1960 filming of "Psycho" on the stage and behind the scenes. With the book's acclaim and the ingenuity of its subject matter, it was a matter of time before it was brought to the screen. However, Paramount was just as hesitant and transferred to "Psycho" back then (Paramount, which held the Hitchcock contract, was extremely unsupportive at the beginning, and 8 years after the release of "Psycho", it simply sold the ownership of the film to Universal; Universal is really strong, and has since made several sequels), this time is still indecisive; after a few years of brewing, it finally gave up. This time it was Fox.
Of course, the film's reputation and box office are far from comparable to "Psycho", which is known as the No. 1 thriller in film history. A rookie director, with a few big stars, told behind-the-scenes stories and the crisis of middle (old) age. Under the brilliance of the classics, the answer sheet handed in can only be regarded as passing. Of course, there are bright spots, such as the use of the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" TV show at the beginning and the end, and the real-life murderer that appears from time to time in his mind, but the plot is too bland, the theme is superficial, and the form is lackluster. Either break the news like "The Girl" released a month earlier, or pay tribute to the master of suspense by imitating the way of the master of suspense, or use the classics and meticulously to make fans addicted (it's a Grace Kelly, what about the others? MacGuffin) What about the signature cameo?), it can only be said that such a good subject is a pity.
The most successful aspect of the film is actually the casting. Anthony Hopkins, on strength, image, nationality, and title, are probably the best candidates to play Lao Xi. Although Scarlett Johansson belongs to Monroe's sexy type, not to Lao Xi's taste, but she is also the first spokesperson for today's Hollywood blonde. James D'Arcy is as thin and unpredictable as Anthony Perkins of the year, as if carved out of a mold. One Helen Mirren, Golden Globe and BAFTA Best Actress nominations left speak for itself. The film's only Oscar nomination was for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and I think Anthony Hopkins' accent imitation also contributed.

View more about Hitchcock reviews