This completely revised and updated edition of the classic text describes and analyzes every movie made by master filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
The Art of Alfred Hitchcock
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"Combines thoughtful and engaging analysis and wit and scholarship."--Chicago Sun-Times
From the Publisher
This completely revised and updated edition of the classic text describes and analyzes every movie made by master filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
"Combines thoughtful and engaging analysis and wit and scholarship."--Chicago Sun-Times
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By William Hare
Format:Paperback
Daniel Spoto is well known for his fascinating biography of Alfred Hitchcock. "The Art of Alfred Hitchcock" fleshes out The Master every bit as much as the biography, but in a different way.
What makes this book a must for Hitchcock fans and, in particular, those interested in studying his mastery of the film craft, is that Spoto, bolstered by many interview hours with Hitchcock, is able to get inside a creative film genius' mind and give us an idea of how he explored his basic themes as well as the manner in which he manipulated audiences through exploiting his unique brand of suspense. Spoto also gives us a look into the technical side of the master film craftsman, letting us know how he kept audiences mesmerized with compelling scenes such as the killing of Janet Leigh in "Psycho" and those incredible special effects in "The Birds" in which it appeared that the winged creatures were about to lay total siege to the previously serene Northern California town of Bodega Bay.
In addition to what he actually did, Donald Spoto is also to be commended for something he did not do. In so many retrospectives of film greats, be they directors or performers, authors believe in devoting an equal or relatively equal amount of space to every movie with which they were involved. Thankfully Spoto did not do this, devoting greater attention to the classic Hitchcock movies that generated the most discussion among filmgoers and cinema historians. Not surprisingly for those who have studied Hitchcock's films, Spoto regards "Vertigo" starring James Stewart and Kim Novak as Hitchcock's most complete and artistic work and explains why, providing excellent insight into the film in the process.
Another film that continues generating widespread praise in the Hitchcock oeuvre for its technical genius and inventive plot and characterization is "Notorious" starring the dynamite team of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Spoto covers this screen classic with comprehensive scrutiny.
Spoto covers the wide sweep of Hitchcock's career. We move from his beginnings in London in silent films and are finally transported to Hollywood and Hitchcock's impressive debut for producer David O. Selznick with "Rebecca".
What makes this book a must for Hitchcock fans and, in particular, those interested in studying his mastery of the film craft, is that Spoto, bolstered by many interview hours with Hitchcock, is able to get inside a creative film genius' mind and give us an idea of how he explored his basic themes as well as the manner in which he manipulated audiences through exploiting his unique brand of suspense. Spoto also gives us a look into the technical side of the master film craftsman, letting us know how he kept audiences mesmerized with compelling scenes such as the killing of Janet Leigh in "Psycho" and those incredible special effects in "The Birds" in which it appeared that the winged creatures were about to lay total siege to the previously serene Northern California town of Bodega Bay.
In addition to what he actually did, Donald Spoto is also to be commended for something he did not do. In so many retrospectives of film greats, be they directors or performers, authors believe in devoting an equal or relatively equal amount of space to every movie with which they were involved. Thankfully Spoto did not do this, devoting greater attention to the classic Hitchcock movies that generated the most discussion among filmgoers and cinema historians. Not surprisingly for those who have studied Hitchcock's films, Spoto regards "Vertigo" starring James Stewart and Kim Novak as Hitchcock's most complete and artistic work and explains why, providing excellent insight into the film in the process.
Another film that continues generating widespread praise in the Hitchcock oeuvre for its technical genius and inventive plot and characterization is "Notorious" starring the dynamite team of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Spoto covers this screen classic with comprehensive scrutiny.
Spoto covers the wide sweep of Hitchcock's career. We move from his beginnings in London in silent films and are finally transported to Hollywood and Hitchcock's impressive debut for producer David O. Selznick with "Rebecca".
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Anyone wanting to explore the art of Hitchcock's movies doesn't have to look any further. I have four large bookshelves stretching from floor to ceiling with nothing but books about Alfred Hitchcock so I'm posting my review of the three best books about Sir Alfred. This is one of those three books. Mr. Spoto has accomplished a superb analysis of the Master's films. All you need to do is watch one of Hitchcock's movies, read a chapter describing that particular movie, and you'll realize just how crafty Hitchcock was when he designed and filmed his features. Recommended.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
We got this book from the library and it's definitely one I want to own someday. Donald Spoto writes about almost every Hitchcock film individually from the 30's onward - he also has a chapter discussing the earlier films. He gives a synopsis as well as delves into the deeper meanings, symbolism, and significance of the films. There are portions of dialogue in several of the chapters, as well as many black and white photos from the films. I found the write-ups for almost all of the films to be very good and informative.
You definitely should read this book. It's not hard to read at all. I'd also recommend Mr Spoto's biography of Ingrid Bergman, "Notorious". In relation more directly to Hitchcock, I would recommend "Hitchcock's Notebooks" by Dan Auiler as the second best Hitchcock book I've read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read
This is such a fun book to read and very educational about a great director. Timely because of the recent movie
Published 3 months ago by artsmart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exactly what I needed
I ordered this book for a college class I am taking. it arrived promptly, in almost perfect condition, and the price was amazing (much cheaper than any bookstore). Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sarah M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Provides great details and insights into each Hitchcock film
Cinema is not something I've ever studied, nor do I have much knowledge of the finer points of filmmaking. This book has helped me learn how to watch films more critically. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jesus and Tequila
2.0 out of 5 stars
Huh?
Did the 5 star reviewers read a different book?! I decided to check this book out at the library. I love Hitchcock movies and wanted some insight into what went on behind the... Read more
Published 6 months ago by T. Mills
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you love Hitchcock .....
A comprehensive analysis and criticism of each of the films directed by Hitchcock from around 1925 until his death, written by an author that feels that Hitchcock was one of the... Read more
Published 16 months ago by A. J. Sneed
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Hitchcock study
Shortly after Donald Spoto completed his book, Alfred Hitchcock read the book and then had a lunch with the author. Read more
Published on September 7, 2007 by Martin Grams, Jr.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad
Good book, a little long. Gives plenty of details on Hitchock's projects. Good reference book.
Published on June 1, 2007 by Chip Chop
1.0 out of 5 stars
Better to watch the films instead
This is not a biography but rather a discussion of each of Hitchcock's films. For each film there is:
- Detailed synopsis
- Cast and Crew details
- Analysis of the... Read more
- Detailed synopsis
- Cast and Crew details
- Analysis of the... Read more
Published on March 30, 2007 by Peter Hoogenboom
2.0 out of 5 stars
Shallow
While this book covers all of his works, it doesn't cover any of them in any depth. Each chapter is mostly an incomplete synopsis of the plot, followed by an very abbreviated... Read more
Published on July 12, 2006 by S. Robins
5.0 out of 5 stars
The art or Alfred Hitchock:Fifty years of his motion pictures
Wonderful book and seller. Thank you!!
Joan
Joan
Published on November 15, 2005 by Joan Clement
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 24
books:
See all 24 books this book cites
24
books
cite this book:
See all 24 books citing this book
- North by Northwest (Classic Screenplays) by Ernest Lehman on 4 pages
- Hitchcock's Films by Robin Wood on page 272, Back Matter, and Index
- Waltzes from Vienna by Strauss on page 34, and Back Matter
- Before the Fact by Francis Iles on page 100, and Back Matter
- Love and Mr. Lewisham (Everyman Paperback Classics) by H. G. Wells on page 195, and Index
See all 24 books this book cites
- An Eye for Hitchcock by Murray Pomerance in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Atomic Bomb Cinema: The Apocalyptic Imagination on Film by Jerome F. Shapiro on page 59, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Naked And The Undead: Evil And The Appeal Of Horror (Thinking Through Cinema) by Cynthia Freeland in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Hitchcock: Past and Future by Richard Allen on page 118
- Thrillers (Genres in American Cinema) by Martin Rubin in Back Matter
See all 24 books citing this book
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