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| Anthony Hopkins and Alfred Hitchcock |
I wonder what people will think of this movie who know little to nothing about the man himself, as many of the mannerisms and looks that Hopkins does so well are ones I remember from seeing Alfred Hitchcock on TV over the years. He was a familiar figure to me. He loved to make fun of himself and had a great sense of humor. That NPR link has a line that I completely agree with:
To some extent, Hitchcock — you know, the film that we're talking about — is something that he would delight in even if he might be horrified at aspects of it, because it is partly the consequence of this long process that he started in the 1920s of building himself into a public personality that we could take delight in.He would start and end a program with a cameo, which are also present in this movie. I left the theater happy that I had seen it and can recommend it as a really good movie, but not a great one. Mirren was also good but I don't think her performance will win.
The movie is billed as a "comedy-drama," and it certainly lives up to both aspects. I found myself quite amazed at Murray's ability to portray someone very different from himself in looks and temperament. (Or as I imagine Bill Murray is, anyway.) I enjoyed the movie, not as much as Hitchcock, but it was passably good. It certainly helped that I read the reviews before I saw it and they were almost uniformly bad. My expectations were suitably lowered, so I was pleasantly surprised. It was fun; you can't expect much more than that from a movie, can you?
The gist of these two movies is that historically, they are nowhere near accurate, but they were well imagined and enjoyable. If you go to either one, I'd love to know what you think!
:-)
anthony hopkins as hitchcock. wow! amazing makeup.
ReplyDeletewell, having recently watched 'the girl' about hopkins fascination w/ tippi hedron, i'd hardly warm up to the man. creeeeepy!!! :)
i am so out of the loop...i did not know of either of these...if you had not said that was hopkins i would never have guessed....wow...
ReplyDeleteI'm not a movie buff but like your reviews. I should check out movies. there's lots of entertainment and they some make you think and ask questions.
ReplyDeleteI very rarely go to the movies, but these are fascinating reviews. Thank you. And there is certainly never enough fun - any chance to find it should be grabbed with both hands. I am glad that you found it in these movies.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that is A. Hopkins...what a great job of creating Hitchcock with the make-up. I think the make-up artist should be nominated also.
ReplyDeleteAnd Bill Murray always surprises me with his ability to play a part. I've never been dissatisfied with his work. But playing FDR musta been a good portrayal all in all.
As for history, and being most accurate, to me history is just one man's opinion. Especially if the historian didn't even live with the person/era. So, accuracy can always be arguable. At least that's what I think; even history books and pointed views have been changed and reconsidered throughout time.
I've read a lot of good things about Bill Murray's performance
ReplyDeleteit is me you "friended" :)
hugs from me and Hope
Roosevelt had an affair with his aunt? The things you learn on the internet!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see both of these movies, but will most likely wait until they are released into DVDs or Comcast OnDemand. Now that the Oscar nominations are out, we are working on seeing as many nominated movies as we can find and get too. We just saw Silver Linings Playbook and liked it, but not as much as Lincoln of Life of PI.
ReplyDeleteI avoid reading reviews of movies that I might want to see.. particularly if there's good buzz. I don't want to have any expectations going in. I've not seen either of these... perhaps now I will. :)
ReplyDeleteSaw trailers for both. You were sure right about Life of Pi...have never seen a movie quite like that one.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your post on these two movies. I've seen Hitchcock, and will be seeing Hyde Park on Hudson soon. I feel Anthony Hopkin's portrayal is a bit stiff, albeit Hitchcock did give people a stiff image, but as you said "He loved to make fun of himself and had a great sense of humor. " then I didn't sense Hopkins had portrayed him aptly. In the film, Hopkins presents a egotistic man with not much sense of humor. But I've enjoyed seeing the film, like a 'making of' in the special feature. As for the FDR film, I know it's not well received but I'm going to see it still. Just curious to see how it is... and, I like Laura Linney. Thanks again for sharing your views with us.
ReplyDeleteI love going to the movies and will see as many as possible in Florida later next month. Thanks for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a big fan of Hitchcock but after seeing The Girl, agreeing with TexWisGirl, he seems really creepy. I still love all of his movies.
ReplyDeleteNot to be picky but "affair" with his aunt. Not that he was above that just ask his friend Lucy Mercer. :)
ReplyDeleteI probably would not have chosen to see these two movies but after reading your reviews I have changed my mind!
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