A spellbinding biography on a master filmmaker is truly captivating. This filmmaker was not your average artist. In fact, he was one sick puppy. His story is filled with twists and turns, as if it were a thrilling mystery. From his early days of struggling to make a name for himself in the competitive world of cinema, to his rise to fame with a series of critically acclaimed and box office hits, his journey was anything but ordinary. But there was more to him than just his artistic success. There were demons lurking within, secrets that he tried to keep hidden from the public eye. As we delve deeper into his biography, we discover a complex and tortured soul, a man who was both a genius and a madman. His work was a reflection of his inner turmoil, a testament to his ability to create something beautiful out of the chaos within him.

I suppose any biography ultimately hinges on the individual it portrays, and Alfred Hitchcock is indeed a remarkable subject. To describe him as darkly complex would be a vast understatement. Spoto truly provides an insight into what it must have been like to collaborate with this man. At times, it could be entertaining, but as time went on, it became increasingly dark.

Throughout the book, there is a captivating and warped psychology that is interwoven, and it's impossible not to recognize this in his movies as well. Reading his biography will undoubtedly make his films even more engaging to watch.

While I sympathize with the numerous artists who were pushed aside in order to define Hitch as an "auteur," his movies do seem to be highly personal. In fact, the more disturbing they are, the more personal they feel.

It's as if Hitchcock was using his films as a means to explore and express his own inner demons and twisted thoughts. This makes the viewing experience all the more fascinating and thought-provoking.

Overall, reading about Hitchcock's life and work adds an extra layer of depth and understanding to his already iconic movies.

The original article: This is a great place. It has beautiful scenery and friendly people. I really like it here.

Expanded article:

This is truly an outstanding place. The moment you step foot here, you are greeted by the most magnificent and beautiful scenery that seems to have been painted by the hands of a master artist. The lush greenery, the majestic mountains in the distance, and the clear blue sky above all combine to create a visual masterpiece that takes your breath away.

But it's not just the scenery that makes this place special. The people here are some of the friendliest you will ever meet. They greet you with warm smiles and open hearts, making you feel right at home. Whether you need directions, a recommendation for a good place to eat, or just someone to talk to, they are always more than happy to help.

I have fallen in love with this place and I can't wait to come back again and again. It has a charm and a magic that is truly unique, and I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Audiobook.

How much can one truly extrapolate from the films to the actual man? It's a question that lingers.

I discovered that a significant portion of the prose in this biography seemed unnecessarily mean-spirited.

The words used to describe the subject often carried a negative undertone, as if the author was determined to paint a less-than-flattering picture.

Perhaps this was an attempt to add drama or create a more engaging narrative, but it left me with a somewhat sour taste.

Instead of providing a balanced view, the biography seemed to focus on the flaws and shortcomings of the man.

It made me wonder if the author had a personal agenda or if they were simply influenced by the biases and preconceptions of the time.

Overall, while the audiobook had its moments, the mean-spirited prose detracted from the overall experience and made it difficult to form a truly objective opinion of the subject.

A very fine biography that spreads out Hitchcock's unhappy psychology like a banquet for us to dine on.

What was this fat and ugly film director going to do but hire a succession of lovely blonde actresses and then sexually assault them by proxy in his movies?

This reached its peak in Tippi Hedron's brutal rape-by-birds scene. He insisted on take after take, and it went on for days.

Well, this book points to that scene as the lowest point of Hitch's horribly creepy treatment of women. Because at the time, he was also attempting to take over Tippi Hedron's entire life.

But the ultimate sadism is to be found in Frenzy, which is not for the faint of heart. This is the only book I've come across so far that contemplates the fate of people who are ugly and know they're ugly. It's a bit of a taboo subject.

Naturally, that's not all this book is about. Hitchcock was a genius. He revolutionized the art of filmmaking with his unique vision and techniques.

This biography delves into not only his personal demons but also his professional achievements, providing a comprehensive look at one of the most influential figures in cinema history.

What I got out of this book is that I haven't seen as many Hitchcock movies as I thought I had.

The author talked about what a sick SOB Hitch was but without analyzing it in-depth. Soto provided enough background to assign blame to a repressive Catholic upbringing, the Hollywood scene, post-Victorian London, and just being a sadist. However, I question if all directors are sadists.

I did wonder about the focus on rape/murder scenes toward the end of Hitch's life and his belief, post The Birds, that the American public would find such movie scenes enjoyable. When I look at shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, and NCIS, I realize that they do seem to have an audience for such content.

It makes me wonder if there is something in our society that craves these kinds of violent and disturbing scenes. Is it a way to vicariously experience danger without actually being in harm's way? Or is it something more sinister?

Perhaps further analysis is needed to understand the true nature of Hitchcock's work and the public's response to it.

This book is precisely what it claims to be on the cover. It presents a vivid portrait of the dark side of a genius. Despite his remarkable cinematic achievements, this man harbored some rather dark desires.

The author's exploration of his films sheds light on numerous repeated examples of these desires, often in a censored form. It is truly eye-opening to see how these hidden aspects of his personality manifested in his work.

Moreover, the man was also a narcissist. His actions, from the way he carefully groomed proteges to his unwavering insistence that visitors should come to him, closely resembled those of many narcissists. It is as if he was constantly seeking validation and admiration, believing himself to be the center of the universe.

Overall, this book offers a fascinating and revealing look into the complex and often disturbing mind of a cinematic genius. It forces us to confront the fact that even the most talented individuals may have their own demons lurking beneath the surface.

In depth and dark, this biography of Hitchcock delves into the complex and often shocking aspects of his normal humanity.

As with any famous person, Hitchcock's life was a combination of genius and cringe.

The author skillfully weaves together the various elements of his life, from his early days in the film industry to his later years as a renowned director.

We see Hitchcock's creative process, his relationships with actors and colleagues, and his personal demons.

The result is a full picture of the myth of Hitchcock, one that is both fascinating and disturbing.

Whether you are a fan of Hitchcock's films or simply interested in the life of a complex and influential figure, this biography is sure to provide valuable insights.

It forces us to confront the fact that even the most brilliant among us have flaws and that our heroes are not always as perfect as we想象 them to be.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of cinema and the psychology of creative genius.

3.7 - My type of topic and one that I am deeply interested in. It truly intrigues me.

However, there was something amiss with the ebb and flow of the details. It seemed a bit disjointed at times.

Nevertheless, it still managed to present a fascinating life and an impressive part of cinema history. The story had its moments that captured my attention and made me want to know more.

Despite the flaws in the presentation of details, the overall concept was engaging. It delved into the life of a particular individual or a specific era in cinema, which is always captivating.

I found myself drawn to the unique aspects and the historical significance it held. It was a topic that had the potential to be truly remarkable if only the details were presented in a more seamless and coherent manner.

Overall, it was an interesting exploration that left me with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn more about this captivating part of cinema history.

Fascinating insight into the life of directing genius Alfred Hitchcock. He is a renowned figure in the world of cinema. The back stories behind his successes are truly captivating. We can explore what drove him to achieve such great heights in his career. His psychological makeup plays a significant role in his work. By delving into his life, we can gain a deeper understanding of his creative process and the forces that shaped his unique vision. Hitchcock's films are not only entertaining but also offer a psychological exploration of the human condition. Through his masterful direction, he was able to create suspense and tension that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. This article provides a revealing look into the life and work of this remarkable director.

Alfred Hitchcock is a renowned figure in the world of cinema. His movies are not only thrilling but also filled with unique cinematic techniques and psychological depth. If you have ever been curious about Hitchcock and his works, this is the place to be. Here, you can discover the details of his life, his directing style, and the stories behind his most famous movies.

Learn about the iconic characters he created, the suspenseful plots that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, and the innovative cinematography that made his movies stand out. Whether you are a die-hard Hitchcock fan or just starting to explore his films, there is something for everyone here.

So, come and immerse yourself in the world of Hitchcock. Uncover the secrets of his movies and gain a deeper understanding of this master filmmaker. You are sure to be captivated by his genius and the enduring appeal of his works.

I am truly fascinated by the work of Alfred Hitchcock. He is not only an early master of the macabre but also highly skilled in numerous aspects of film-making. His direction, lighting, and cinematography are remarkable. He has the ability to seamlessly weave humor into dark and even desperate situations. Moreover, he benefited greatly from the skilled expertise of his wife Alma, who was a talented film editor among other things. His work is iconic, yet the man himself remains a mystery. My hope is to discover a biography that can reveal more about the man behind the legend, without relying on rumors or descending into something salacious. However, this book simply didn't meet my expectations. There is more focus on the art than the man, which is okay to some extent, but I had hoped for more new biographical information than what was presented in this volume.

I strongly object to much of the pseudo-psychologizing that occurs regarding Hitchcock. It makes no sense to perpetuate the idea that his work was a reflection of inner demons, a repressed upbringing, or twisted longings. From what I have gathered after reading about Alfred and Alma, his early life wasn't all that different from other young British lads of his time. So, the question remains: why didn't dozens of creative artists of his kind find their way into film?

In his conclusion, Spoto counters the notion that Hitchcock's art was the outpouring of a peculiarly troubled mind. In the author's words: "Had his films been simple incarnations of his own fantasies and dreams, with no wider reference, he would have perhaps won a small and devoted group of admirers. But he expressed those elusive images and half remembered dreams in terms that moved and astounded and delighted and aroused awe from millions round the world." So, what about a book that can pick up where this one left off?