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Alfred Hitchcock’s films have been the subject of immense scrutiny, arguably only rivaled by Stanley Kubrick’s oeuvre. The latest documentary by Mark Cousins, My Name is Alfred Hitchcock, while perhaps not the ideal starting point for casual viewers unfamiliar with Hitchcock’s work, offers a captivating and scholarly exploration of the iconic director’s cinematographic themes and visual styles. Cousins opts for a unique approach in this film by utilizing the voice of English impressionist Alistair McGowan to channel Hitchcock himself, rather than narrating the documentary in his own voice. This creative risk proves to be successful, as McGowan captures the distinct tone and cadence associated with the legendary filmmaker.
The documentary’s composition, shaped by Cousins’ insightful script and Timo Langer’s deft editing, compels viewers to dive into Hitchcock’s extensive filmography, which includes classics that remain influential today. The film serves as an invitation to appreciate Hitchcock’s artistry, which many viewers might take for granted.
A Master Class in Hitchcock in Only Two Hours
This documentary invites audiences to revisit the extensive filmography of one of cinema’s greats, utilizing the filmmaker’s own perspective.
Runtime: 2 hours
Director: Mark Cousins
Writers: Mark Cousins
Pros
- A profound and engaging examination of Hitchcock’s creative style.
- Filled with memorable clips from iconic films like Vertigo and Rear Window.
- The innovative choice of having Hitchcock narrate the documentary adds depth to the experience.
Cons
- May not cater to audiences new to Hitchcock’s work.
- Some analytical stretches by Cousins could feel forced.
The film avoids dwelling on Hitchcock’s biography, choosing instead to examine the psychological and stylistic motivations behind his influence on cinema. Cousins, who previously produced an extensive documentary series, The Story of Film, focuses on how Hitchcock sought to manipulate audience perception and tap into their subconscious experiences. The documentary is structured into thematic chapters, including Desire, Escape, Loneliness, Time, Fulfillment, and Height, which provide a cohesive framework, despite some chapters appearing as theoretical constructs rather than natural divisions.
The chapters on Escape and Desire are particularly compelling as they delve into Hitchcock’s narrative evolution. In the Escape segment, Hitch recounts his relocation from London to the United States in 1939, aiming to break away from conventional storytelling methods. Cousins argues effectively that Hitchcock succeeded in this ambition. The concept of escape recurs throughout Hitchcock’s filmography, exemplified by his creative decisions in films like The 39 Steps and Rear Window, designed to immerse viewers in alternate realities.
A Documentary Packed With Clips from a 50-Year Career
Cousins meticulously curates a selection of clips from Hitchcock’s diverse body of work, showcasing films spanning his career from silent cinema to Technicolor masterpieces. His early works in the UK laid the foundation for a career that ultimately included celebrated films such as the 1940 Academy Award winner Rebecca and continued through to Family Plot in 1976.
The documentary eschews the common biographical approach by allowing McGowan to adopt Hitchcock’s voice throughout the narrative. The script maintains an engaging tone, using a conversational style that refers to Hollywood icons in an informal manner, creating a relatable atmosphere. Although visual artifacts of Hitchcock himself are scarce, the film relies on a limited yet effective collection of still images, ensuring that the focus remains on his films and narrative insights.
Incorporating intriguing anecdotes, such as Hitchcock’s ingenuity in staging a scene for Claude Rains in Notorious, enriches the viewing experience while revealing the director’s complex character. Cousins does attempt to connect Hitchcock’s legacy to the modern world, yet these moments might not resonate as intended. However, this does not detract from the overall appreciation of Hitchcock’s artistic genius.
Hitchcock Loved His Leading Ladies and Wanted Us to Love Them, Too
While the documentary offers a cursory overview of Hitchcock’s personal life, including his long-standing marriage to Alma Reville, it primarily focuses on the performances of his leading actresses. Moments showcasing the tension of Sylvia Sidney in Sabotage and the allure of Grace Kelly illustrate Hitchcock’s ability to elicit captivating performances, creating powerful on-screen personas that left a lasting impression on audiences.
My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock provides an extensive exploration of the director’s cinematic legacy, positioning itself alongside notable documentary analyses of film history. By categorizing Hitchcock as a “trickster” who mastered the art of filmmaking, Cousins successfully highlights the nuance and intricacies behind Hitchcock’s creative process. Rather than diminishing the wonder of his films, this documentary deepens appreciation for the master’s storytelling prowess.
My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock is set to premiere in New York and Los Angeles on October 25, followed by a wider release throughout November and December. For showtimes and locations, click here.
Source
movieweb.com