Its only fitting that I come across news of not one, but two Hitchcock films currently under production after returning from a screening of Psycho. Its not breaking news of any sort, word has been out about both projects for a few months now, but new information has surfaced lately generating some buzz for the two upcoming movies.
One is a biographical drama simply titled Hitchcock, which is set for a release sometime next year. It will be based on the nonfiction book by Stephen Rebelo called Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. The role of Mr. Hitchcock will be played by legendary actor Anthony Hopkins. A new picture was released showing Hopkins in character as Sir Alfred, and I have got to say his look is spot on.
Hopkin's picture seems to be the most talked about news surrounding this film, and for good reason too. But he is just one of a handful of premier actors on board for Hitchcock. Helen Mirren has been confirmed to play Alma Reville, Hitchcock's wife; Scarlet Johansson will star as Janet Leigh; the actress who starred as Marion in Psycho, and Jessica Biel has the role of Vera Miles, the actress who played Marion's sister.
The second Hitchcock-related movie to be made soon will be called The Girl. For this one, the role of Sir Alfred will be played by British actor Toby Jones, who was last seen playing Percy Alleline in Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy (2011). The premise of The Girl movie focuses on the obsessive relationship Hitchcock had with Tippi Hedren, the model whom he single-handedly turned into an actress debuting in his 1963 classic The Birds, one of my own personal favorites from the Hitchcock gallery. Sienna Miller has been called upon to take up the role of Tippi Hedren. The photo below shows Jones and Miller adapting the classic Hitchcock and Hedren photo for comparison.
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Anthony has a slight advantage in looking more like Hitchcock, but that doesn't mean anything until the two actors are finally seen acting and not just posing. My biggest concern is wondering who will be able to better tackle the Hitchcock drawl as that is the most crucial aspect of the impersonation. Both of these films will focus on a different point in Hitchcock's career- one with Psycho and the other The Birds. These movies were only made three years apart, so it will be interesting to see whether or not anything gets overlapped between the two movies.
+ Check out the casting selections for Hitchcock below. I'm interested in knowing what people think about these choices.
Helen Mirren- Alma Reville
Scarlett Johansson- Janet Leigh
Jessica Biel- Vera Miles
So pumped about both of these movies. Hopkins will kill as Hitch, and, separately, Miller will be great as Hedren.
ReplyDeleteKind of redundant (and/or unfortunate) that there are two movies being released so close together, but hopefully they'll be different enough to enjoy them individually.
I do think it's kind of strange that these movies are being released in such close proximity and hope that they don't interfere with viewing each film as its own. But at the same time, it will be interesting to see if any of the material overlaps between the two films then allowing each studio to interpret the same event with a different style/perspective. Regardless, I'm excited and can't to see these too.
ReplyDeletePoor Toby Jones! Just like with In Cold Blood and Capote, though, isn't it? People in Hollywood really need to learn how to coordinate better!
ReplyDeleteTrue, we can certainly blame Hollywood. I know people have their doubts with him as Hitchcock especially with that picture of Anthony Hopkins playing the same role, but he's a great actor and I think he'll do a solid job. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.
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