The doc assumes you already have at least some familiarity with the Hitchcock catalog, and it is most enjoyable for fans who are ready to get granular and hear the Maestro describe everything from angles and acting choices, to lenses and lore.
A century after the debut of Alfred Hitchcock’s first feature, his films continue to delight and influence young filmmakers. His influence is seen in many modern films, for those who care to look. Like the Coen Brothers and Tarantino, Hitch’s fans can be almost cult-like in their devotion to the minutiae of the films.
Director Mark Cousins presents the material, however, not in a self-serious, studious way, but rather with a twinkle and a gimmick that works surprising well: the whole film is narrated by a Hitchcock voice that is incredibly believable. Though we don’t see him speak, we hear Hitchcock take us on a tour of his films, spanning, by my count, about five decades. For the record, the narration is by British impressionist Alistair McGowan.
The clips are super clear, great resolution—even the oldest ones are clean. Cousins’s work here has been described as “playful,” which is apt, since Hitchcock was known to be cheeky behind his serious façade.
My Name is Alfread Hitchcock Opens in Select Theatres Friday, October 25th