MADMAN!

It is an absolute must to read the book first and then watch all of his movies. This way, you can truly understand the essence and depth of his works. The book provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the story, characters, and themes, allowing you to form your own interpretations and connections. And when you watch the movies, you can see how the director has brought those elements to life on the big screen. The visual and auditory experience of the movies can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the story even further. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the world of the MADMAN!

Psycho is a classic psychological thriller that has captivated audiences for decades.

The story follows the character of Norman Bates, a seemingly ordinary motel owner with a dark and twisted secret.

When Marion Crane checks into the motel, she unknowingly stumbles upon a web of madness and murder.

The film is known for its iconic shower scene, which has become one of the most famous and influential moments in cinema history.

Psycho not only keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot but also delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the dark side of human nature.

The performances in the film are outstanding, with Anthony Perkins delivering a chilling and unforgettable portrayal of Norman Bates.

Overall, Psycho is a masterful work of art that continues to be studied and admired by film enthusiasts and psychologists alike.

It is an excellent book that delves into the hidden aspects of Alfred Hitchcock. His fears, obsessions, and other interesting elements are explored in great detail.

The author takes a unique approach by researching his life from the standpoint of his limitations and shortages. This provides a fresh perspective on the renowned filmmaker, uncovering aspects of his personality and creative process that might otherwise have remained unknown.

By examining Hitchcock's flaws and weaknesses, the author is able to paint a more complete and nuanced picture of the man behind the movies. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of Alfred Hitchcock, offering valuable insights into one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema.

I have just finished reading the book, and it was just as excellent the second time around. In fact, I believe I gained even more from it this time.

If you are a fan of his films, you will be astonished to discover the lengths he went to in order to obtain what he desired from an actress. He was truly a trickster.

This book is a thoroughly good read that offers valuable insights into the mind and methods of a remarkable filmmaker. It provides a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes world of the film industry and the creative process that goes into making a great movie.

Whether you are a film buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this book is well worth your time. I highly recommend it.

There is more insight into Hitchcock's life than I truly desired. It is interesting, yet perhaps more so for die-hard fans. His life was filled with unique experiences and creative endeavors that have left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. Hitchcock's work is renowned for its suspense, psychological depth, and masterful storytelling. However, delving deeper into his personal life reveals a complex individual with his own set of quirks and challenges.

For those who are passionate about Hitchcock and his films, this additional insight can be fascinating. It allows them to gain a better understanding of the man behind the movies and how his life experiences may have influenced his creative vision. On the other hand, for those who are not as deeply invested in Hitchcock, this information may seem a bit excessive or unnecessary.

Overall, while the insight into Hitchcock's life is interesting, it may not be for everyone. It really depends on one's level of interest in the director and his work. Nevertheless, it does offer a unique perspective on a cinematic icon and his contributions to the world of film.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Hitchcock's life.

It delves into his personal life, documenting all of his public appearances.

Moreover, it attempts to recount as much as possible about his life by drawing on interviews with those who interacted with him.

Given that Hitchcock was an extremely private individual, understanding what went on in his mind can only be achieved through speculation based on his work and the accounts of others.

In this regard, the author has done an excellent job.

This book also serves as the perfect complement to "The Art of Alfred Hitchcock".

While the latter analyzed the films in great detail, providing a bit of behind-the-scenes context, this book offers the opposite.

Here, we are presented with all the behind-the-scenes and personal events that influenced his movies.

I am extremely pleased to have read this book.

It has given me a deeper understanding of the forces that drove Hitchcock and made him the great filmmaker he was.

Overall, it is a fascinating and informative read for any Hitchcock enthusiast.

A while back, while engrossed in reading Mr. Peanut, I found myself diverted by a small side-story. It was about two lovers who met in a Hitchcock seminar.

Irrespective of these characters and their specific roles within that narrative, I couldn't help but feel increasingly jealous of their enrollment in such a course. You see, I never had the opportunity to study Hitchcock in school! But oh, how I desire to! Truly, I do!

Spoto's Hitchcock bio (this particular one, that is. He has penned two more) served as the perfect overview of Hitchcock's films and his rather complex persona as a genius director. At times creepy, pathetic, inspired, and always melodramatic.

I was utterly fascinated by Hitchcock's slow evolution. From an introspective new kid in the industry to a generally respected director, and finally to a legendary and untouchable commander of his cinematic realm. It offered a valuable lesson on how, as we age, we tend to become concentrated caricatures of ourselves. Hitchcock, for instance, only became more lugubrious, more opinionated, and yes, more fat as the years went by. And, if we are to believe Spoto, his obsession with his leading ladies grew more vicious the more sexually abstinent he remained.

Also, here's some information that I simply devoured like candy. Most of you probably already know it, and I likely knew it too, but promptly forgot. And yet, I can enjoy it just as much the second time around.

-- Tippi Hedrin is Melanie Griffith's mom. Melanie was just four years old during the filming of The Birds, and Hitchcock gave her a doll dressed as her mom, complete with a green dress, nailed into a little doll-sized box.

-- Anne Baxter is Frank Lloyd Wright's granddaughter.

-- Carole Lombard might have been Hitchcock's own first superstar, had she not tragically died in a plane crash at the tender age of 33.

Of course, I've been watching a few more Hitchcock films than usual lately. I wholeheartedly recommend 39 Steps. Watch out for all the sexual double-entendres that you wouldn't typically expect in a suspense drama of its era. Last night, I watched The Trouble with Harry, and I was truly taken aback by just how strange it was. Shirley McLaine makes her film debut here (Hitchcock discovered her on the stage), and she is just...high. I'm quite certain she's in that state the whole time. Her later embrace of New Age really doesn't surprise me in the slightest.

This bio was long on a chronological study of Hitchcock's character but short on film analysis. Of course, that was Spoto's intention, so I can't fault him for that. But I'll most definitely be delving deeper into reading more about the films themselves. Speaking of long, have you seen Spoto's backlist? It's enormous. And he's still at it. His Joan Crawford biography just came out last week.

This book serves not only as a biography but also as a comprehensive treatise on early film and television. Hitchcock emerges as a highly knowledgeable visual artist, driven by his own perverse fears and masochistic tendencies. The film and television industry, in recognition of the financial success of his films, grants him unrestricted and often vicious control over writers, producers, and actors.

In the early era, actors lacked the protection of a union and were bound by contracts to production companies, which could assign them to any project at will. Hitchcock exploited this system to the fullest, especially when it came to his female leads, subjecting them to deep levels of abuse.

Contrary to what the author might believe, Hitchcock is not a genius. Instead, he is simply an overly celebrated masochist puppeteer who uses his actors to fulfill his own fantasies. His actions and behaviors raise serious questions about the ethics and morality within the early film and television industry.

I’m really torn now as to how to rate this.

On one hand, this did not need to be a 23-hour audiobook. There was an abundance of industry history that, although interesting, seemed not entirely imperative to this memoir. It felt as if a significant portion could have been trimmed without sacrificing the essence of the story.

On the other hand, it felt like we were constantly beating a dead horse. We could have removed pages and pages if we didn't have to keep harping on Hitch's eating and drinking habits. I understood the point being made early on.

I have always loved Alfred Hitchcock's work. Ever since I was a kid, his films have fascinated me, and that will never change. While part of this memoir was indeed insightful into his genius, I really felt like the author was trying to slander Hitch more than anything else, and that was truly disappointing. It made me question the objectivity of the entire work and left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

Interesting read. This simple phrase holds a world of potential. It implies that what follows is something that will capture your attention and engage your mind. It could be a thrilling novel, a thought-provoking article, or a captivating story. When we come across something that is described as an interesting read, we are immediately curious. We want to know what makes it so interesting, what secrets it holds, and what new perspectives it will offer. An interesting read has the power to transport us to different places, introduce us to new ideas, and make us feel a whole range of emotions. It can be a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration. So, the next time you see those two words, interesting read, don't hesitate. Dive in and discover the wonderful world that awaits you.

I took a Hitchcock class during my undergraduate years. What a truly messed up individual Hitchcock was, yet at the same time, he was a strangely alluring artist and auteur. It's quite fascinating how his works had such a profound impact. Funnily enough, for my final project in that class, I wrote a screenplay. In this screenplay, it was Tippi Hedren who was provoked to mastermind his murder. The whole concept was quite wild and imaginative. It made me think deeply about the complex nature of Hitchcock's art and the emotions and ideas it could inspire. It was an experience that really opened my eyes to the power of film and the creativity that can emerge from exploring the works of such a unique and controversial figure.

This was a quite lengthy and detailed chronicle of Alfred Hitchcock's entire life.

It delved deep into every aspect of his existence, from his early days to his later years. Some parts of the narrative were rather dull, perhaps due to the excessive focus on certain mundane details.

However, Mr Spoto deserves kudos for his attention to detail. He left no stone unturned in his research, providing a comprehensive and accurate account of Hitchcock's life.

Mr Hitchcock was a troubled genius. His work in movies and television was revolutionary and has had a lasting impact on the industry. He will and should be forever admired for his contributions.

His unique style and vision continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Overall, while the chronicle had its flaws, it was a valuable and informative read for anyone interested in the life and work of Alfred Hitchcock.