Hitchcock (2012)

Hitchcock (2012) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Directed by Sacha Gervasi, Hitchcock (2012) is a biographical drama that delves into the life of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock during the production of his seminal horror-thriller Psycho (1960). The film stars Anthony Hopkins as the “Master of Suspense” himself and Helen Mirren as his wife, Alma Reville. The film offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most iconic movies ever made, while also exploring the complexities of Hitchcock’s personal and professional relationships.

In this review, we’ll examine the plot, key performances, critical reception, and where to watch Hitchcock online in the U.S.

Plot Overview

Hitchcock follows the director during one of the most pivotal moments of his career—his decision to make Psycho, a project that faced skepticism and resistance from both Hollywood studios and Hitchcock’s inner circle.

The Storyline:

• Alfred Hitchcock’s Career at a Crossroads: The film begins with Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) fresh off the success of North by Northwest (1959), but eager for a new challenge. Hitchcock, already a renowned filmmaker, seeks to push boundaries and create something truly daring. He finds inspiration in the grisly true-crime novel Psycho by Robert Bloch, based on the infamous serial killer Ed Gein.
• Studio Rejection: Despite his reputation, Hitchcock struggles to get support for the film. The studios deem Psycho too risky, too violent, and too controversial. Undeterred, Hitchcock decides to fund the project himself, mortgaging his house and putting everything on the line for the film he believes in.
• Alma Reville’s Role: At the heart of the story is Hitchcock’s wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), who has been his creative partner for decades. The film portrays Alma as a brilliant collaborator, often in the background but essential to Hitchcock’s success. Their relationship is a central focus, revealing the tension, admiration, and emotional complexity between the two.
• The Making of Psycho: As Hitchcock begins production, he faces numerous challenges, including casting, the infamous shower scene, and the restrictions of censorship. The film delves into Hitchcock’s obsession with his leading ladies—particularly Janet Leigh (played by Scarlett Johansson)—and his struggle to balance his professional ambitions with his personal life.
• Personal and Professional Struggles: Throughout the film, Hitchcock battles his insecurities, paranoia, and health issues. Alma, meanwhile, grows frustrated with her husband’s lack of appreciation for her contributions and contemplates working on a project with writer Whitfield Cook (Danny Huston). This subplot adds an emotional layer to the story, showcasing the strain Hitchcock’s career puts on their marriage.
• Triumphant Release of Psycho: Despite the odds, Psycho is completed and released to the public, shocking audiences and revolutionizing the horror genre. The film culminates in the premiere of Psycho, with Hitchcock anxiously waiting to see if his gamble will pay off. His triumph with the film is not only a professional victory but also a moment of personal redemption.

Key Performances

Hitchcock features standout performances from a stellar cast, with Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren leading the way.

• Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock: Hopkins transforms into the iconic filmmaker with the help of makeup and prosthetics, capturing both Hitchcock’s physical appearance and his distinctive voice and mannerisms. Hopkins portrays Hitchcock as a complex figure—brilliant and driven, yet also insecure and obsessive. His portrayal emphasizes Hitchcock’s determination to bring Psycho to life, while also revealing his vulnerabilities.
• Helen Mirren as Alma Reville: Mirren delivers a commanding performance as Alma, Hitchcock’s devoted wife and unsung creative partner. Alma’s intelligence, wit, and quiet strength shine through in Mirren’s portrayal. She brings depth to Alma’s character, showcasing her frustrations with Hitchcock’s self-absorption and her importance in his career. Their relationship, filled with tension and mutual respect, forms the emotional core of the film.
• Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh: Johansson brings grace and charm to her role as Janet Leigh, the actress who famously starred in Psycho and delivered one of the most memorable performances in film history. Johansson’s portrayal captures Leigh’s professionalism and her interactions with Hitchcock during the making of the film.
• Supporting Cast: The film also features strong supporting performances from Danny Huston as Whitfield Cook, Jessica Biel as Vera Miles, and James D’Arcy as Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates in Psycho. Each actor adds depth to the film’s portrayal of the complicated dynamics behind the scenes of Psycho.

Themes: Creativity, Obsession, and Partnership

Hitchcock explores several key themes, including the creative process, the nature of obsession, and the dynamics of a professional partnership.

• Creativity and Risk: At its core, the film is about Hitchcock’s desire to take creative risks. The making of Psycho was a bold move, both in terms of its content and its financing, and the film illustrates Hitchcock’s willingness to go against the grain to achieve his artistic vision.
• Obsession and Paranoia: The film delves into Hitchcock’s obsessions, particularly with his leading actresses. His relationships with women in his films are portrayed as complex, and his fixation on Janet Leigh is one of the key points of tension. At the same time, the film shows Hitchcock’s paranoia about his career and legacy, which fuels much of his behavior.
• Partnership and Recognition: Alma’s role in Hitchcock’s life and career is a central theme of the film. The film highlights her contributions to his success, as well as her frustrations at being overshadowed. Their partnership, both personal and professional, is portrayed with nuance, showing the sacrifices Alma makes for Hitchcock and the importance of their collaboration.

Critical Reception

Hitchcock received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren.

• Praise for Performances: Hopkins and Mirren were widely lauded for their portrayals of Alfred and Alma. Hopkins captured Hitchcock’s eccentricities and complexities, while Mirren brought emotional depth and intelligence to her role as Alma. Their chemistry on screen was a highlight of the film.
• Mixed Reviews on the Narrative: Some critics felt that the film’s focus on the making of Psycho was too narrow, and that it didn’t fully explore Hitchcock’s career or the broader context of his life. Others felt that the film’s lighter tone and moments of humor were at odds with the darker aspects of Hitchcock’s personality.
• Visual and Historical Accuracy: The film was praised for its attention to detail in recreating the production of Psycho and for its period-accurate settings and costumes. However, some critics noted that the film took creative liberties with certain events, particularly in its portrayal of Hitchcock’s personal life.

Where to Watch Hitchcock Online in America

For viewers interested in watching Hitchcock, there are several streaming and rental options available in the U.S.

Streaming Services

1. Amazon Prime Video: Hitchcock is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription.
2. Hulu: You can watch Hitchcock with a Hulu subscription, either as part of the standard plan or bundled with other services.

Rental and Purchase Options

1. Amazon Prime Video: You can rent Hitchcock for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99. Both SD and HD formats are available.
2. Apple iTunes: The film is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99 on iTunes, accessible on all Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent Hitchcock for $3.99 or buy it for $12.99. It’s available to stream on Android devices, Chromecast, and other compatible platforms.
4. Vudu: Hitchcock is available for rental at $3.99 and purchase at $9.99, with streaming options in SD or HD.
5. YouTube Movies: The film can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $9.99 on YouTube Movies, viewable on any device that supports YouTube.

Conclusion: Is Hitchcock Worth Watching?

Hitchcock (2012) offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic films ever made, while also exploring the complex relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, Alma Reville. The film is anchored by outstanding performances from Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren, whose chemistry brings depth and emotion to their portrayal of a creative partnership that was instrumental to Hitchcock’s success.

While the film may not delve deeply into Hitchcock’s entire career, it provides an entertaining and insightful glimpse into the making of Psycho and the challenges Hitchcock faced in pushing the boundaries of cinema. For fans of classic Hollywood, film history, and Alfred Hitchcock himself, Hitchcock is a must-watch.

With a variety of streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to experience this fascinating biographical drama and get a closer look at one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.