The premiere documentary My name is Alfred Hitchcock, directed by Mark Cousins, surveys the life and body of work of the master of suspense. It lets Hitchcock narrate his own story from beyond the grave, offering a concise profile that serves as a compact guide for the final weeks of August. A couple of other acclaimed documentaries about the filmmaker are highlighted, including Hitchcock/Truffaut and 78/52: The Scene That Changed Cinema. These titles, along with biographical portraits Hitchcock and The Girl, illuminate the breadth of his influence. The period from 1954 to 1963 features several of his richest films, such as Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho and The Birds, complemented by his celebrated television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Hitchcock/Truffaut (2015)
In this documentary critic Kent Jones revisits the famed book Cinema According to Hitchcock (1966), born from a long dialogue between the director and François Truffaut. Following the spirit of those conversations, Jones reaches out to current directors including Olivier Assayas, David Fincher, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Paul Schrader to reflect on Hitchcock’s ongoing relevance. The film is available on platforms such as Acontra and Tivify. The title invites viewers to consider how Hitchcock’s ideas resonate in modern cinema.
78/52: The Scene That Changed Cinema (2017)
Documentary producer Alexandre O. Philippe dissects the famous shower sequence in Psycho, detailing fifty two moments that shaped that scene. A dedicated group of fans, including actor Elijah Wood, composer Danny Elfman, director Oz Perkins, and editor Walter Murch, explore how the film was conceived, shot, edited and scored, and why that sequence still matters today. The work is available on Acontra and Film.
Hitchcock (2012)
This intimate portrait examines Hitchcock’s relationship with his wife, Alma Reville, and his collaboration on Psycho. It delves into the director’s fascination with certain blonde actresses, his doubts when confronting a violent narrative, and the fear of public rejection. Anthony Hopkins portrays Hitchcock, with Helen Mirren as Reville and Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh. The film streams on Disney+.
The Girl (2012)
This television feature, often discussed as a darker counterpoint to the conventional biopic, is not widely available across platforms and is typically found on DVD in its original form. It presents a taut portrayal of the tension between Hitchcock and actress Tippi Hedren during the making of The Birds and Marnie. Tobey Jones portrays Hitchcock, while Sienna Miller plays Hedren.
Rear Window (1954)
Two enduring themes define Hitchcock’s cinema: deception and voyeurism. Rear Window stands as a lucid exploration of the latter. James Stewart plays a photographer confined to his apartment, watching his neighbors and unraveling a possible crime from his window with a telephoto lens. Grace Kelly adds depth to the dynamic as voyeurism unfolds. The film is widely available for viewing.
Vertigo (1958)
Starring James Stewart, this film delves into obsession, identity, and illusion. It blends deception, desire and a dreamlike San Francisco journey, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The film remains a touchstone in discussions of visual narrative and psychological suspense, and is accessible through several streaming services.
In Pursuit of Death (1959)
Before Psycho, Hitchcock explored an intricate blend of wit and danger with Cary Grant in a narrative that twists from a simple misunderstanding into a gripping chase. The film features memorable set pieces and moments of suspense, supported by strong performances. Availability varies by platform.
Psycho (1960)
Shot in black and white to temper color intensity, Psycho redefined the horror thriller. It probes fear within the routine of daily life, showing that terror can emerge from the ordinary rather than grand creatures. The film remains a staple of classic cinema and can be found on modern streaming services.
The Birds (1963)
Inspired by a Daphne du Maurier story, The Birds blends Hitchcockian suspense with groundbreaking sound design. The unpredictable bird attacks and the use of acoustic effects created a new standard for on-screen terror. The film has been shown in high-definition formats and is available on several platforms.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962)
Hitchcock anticipated the enduring potential of television as a permanent storytelling medium. He crafted original mystery narratives and delivered elegant introductions that became a defining feature of the era. The early seasons and later installments offer a compact look at how a filmmaker adapted to a new format and built a lasting legacy.