Hitchcock (Revised Edition) [Paperback]

Francois Truffaut (Author), Helen G. Scott (Collaborator)

Book Description

Release date: October 2, 1985

One is ravished by the density of insights into cinematic questions...Truffaut performed a tour de force of tact in getting this ordinarily guarded man to open up as he had never done before (and never would again)...If the 1967 Hitchcock/Truffaut can now be seen as something of a classic, this revised version is even better. Phillip Lopate The New York Times Book Review

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Any book-length interview with Alfred Hitchcock is valuable, but considering that this volume's interlocutor is François Truffaut, the conversation is remarkable indeed. Here is a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on two cinematic masters from very different backgrounds as they cover each of Hitch's films in succession. Though this book was initially published in 1967 when Hitchcock was still active, Truffaut later prepared a revised edition that covered the final stages of his career. It's difficult to think of a more informative or entertaining introduction to Hitchcock's art, interests, and peculiar sense of humor. The book is a storehouse of insight and witticism, including the master's impressions of a classic like Rear Window ("I was feeling very creative at the time, the batteries were well charged"), his technical insight into Psycho's shower scene ("the knife never touched the body; it was all done in the [editing]"), and his ruminations on flops such as Under Capricorn ("If I were to make another picture in Australia today, I'd have a policeman hop into the pocket of a kangaroo and yell 'Follow that car!'"). This is one of the most delightful film books in print. --Raphael Shargel

Review

Phillip Lopate The New York Times Book Review One is ravished by the density of insights into cinematic questions....Truffaut performed a tour de force of tact in getting this ordinarily guarded man to open up as he had never done before (and never would again)....If the 1967 Hitchcock/Truffaut can now be seen as something of a classic, this revised version is even better.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Revised edition (October 2, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671604295
• ISBN-13: 978-0671604295
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1 x 11.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies > Theory
  • #20 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism
  • #22 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies > Direction & Production

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Justly Famous: An Important Document and a Good Read May 9, 2000

By Donald Beale

Format:Paperback

This is an important document in film history and scholarship and a fun, interesting read. Two great artists discuss film in general and Hitchcock's work in particular. The interview provides some interesting background facts about some of the films, revealing analyses, and some clues to the ideas and goals Hitchcock had when making his pictures. I would offer one caveat: after reading this book through several times, I confess that occasionally I suspect the veracity of a few of Hitchcock's remarks. Sometimes Hitchcock appears too agreeable to Truffaut's observations, endorsing statements that contradict what he's stated or suggested elsewhere. I don't mean to suggest that Hitchcock lied or behaved maliciously; I don't even mean this as criticism. I believe simply that in details that were of small importance to him, Hitchcock didn't bother to dissent, leaving Truffaut to believe as he liked. Also, they both occasionally get their facts wrong when talking about an older film, a mere failure of memory. It's helpful knowing these things going in; otherwise, no harm done-it's still a great book, one that should be read by every Hitchcock fan and anyone who's wanted to know a little bit more about any of his films.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read for any Hitchcock Lover August 29, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is THE book for anyone who's seen the Master of Suspense's classics, and want to know more about them. Truffuat, a great director in his own right, is one of the best interviewers I have ever read. His own knowledge of film and its techniques lend him particular insight into what makes Hitch tick. Perhaps best of all, you learn which of his movies Sir Alfred liked; which he didn't; and even projects or sequences he always wished to do, but never could. The only problem is that if you have not seen a movie they are discussing, they explain the plot, with the ending, so watch out for spoilers. Still, Hitchcock didn't give many interviews and this one isn't to be missed

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars elucidating discussions by two masters January 15, 2001

By "tksc"

Format:Paperback

this book conveys two fundamental aspects of art: respect and friendship. it is clear from the opening introductory essay that truffaut genuinely loved, respected, and cared for the works of hitchcock, moreover, for the person behind the art. and in their discussions, it is all the more clear that genuine friendship and admiration occurred between the two. truffaut's questions are informed and probing, but above all, his enthusiasm for the films echo throughout. he carefully balances formal questions with his account of his own first impressions. hitchcock is lively, never condescending, with an air of immense pride for his works.

reading this book is like sitting in on a great conversation between two passionate people. it's a hard book to put down as every page is replete with great film stills and engaging discussions. truffaut covers the entire hitchcock oeuvre. for this, we should be grateful as he reminds us of the many number of works that are still widely unavailable and unseen.

the book opens with a sort of a manifesto by truffaut as to what great cinema should be. the discussions that follow fall along the paths that truffaut lays down: what is suspense, the role of arbitrary fate, the unreality of the cinematic image, and how to tell a good story. it ends with a thoughtful tribute, of truffaut's reminiscences of his last encounters with hitchcock. it's a moving portrait of the last years of a genius.

this book includes a helpful "bibliography" (cinemaography?) of every hitchcock movie.

a truely invaluable book for any cinemaphile.