Studiocanal unveils clip from new Hitchcock documentary
A master in making: ‘Becoming Hitchcock’
Studiocanal, a leading film production company in Europe, has just released the first clip and poster from its highly anticipated documentary, “Becoming Hitchcock – The Legacy of Blackmail”, directed by L.A.-based filmmaker Laurent Buzereau. This revealing documentary will premiere at the Lumière Classic Film Festival in Lyon, France, on October 18.
Analyzing Hitchcock’s genius through archive material
Utilizing only archival footage, “Becoming Hitchcock” delves deep into the celebrated “Hitchcock touch.” The documentary focuses on the creation of “Blackmail”, one of Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal works released in 1929, marking the dawn of the Talkies era. “Blackmail” is often credited as the first British sound feature film, although it also has a silent version. Notably, several scenes were filmed twice – once for the silent version and again for the sound version, showcasing the technical artistry and adaptability of Hitchcock.
Innovative exploration of thematic elements
Director Buzereau’s approach to the documentary is particularly innovative. By juxtaposing the silent and sound versions of “Blackmail”, Buzereau effectively explores Hitchcock’s recurring themes of murder, suspense, food, and sexuality. These elements provided a foundation for Hitchcock’s later masterpieces, such as “Psycho”, “North by Northwest,” and “The Birds”. This examination not only highlights Hitchcock’s storytelling prowess but also offers viewers a fresh perspective on his early works.
The auteur’s influence on cinematic storytelling
Hitchcock’s influence on the film industry is akin to recognizing Picasso’s Blue Period in the world of art. Filmmakers of Hitchcock’s caliber consistently revisit key themes of interest, applying different visual techniques throughout their careers. One striking example of Hitchcock’s thematic consistency is his “obsession with food.” In “Blackmail,” the protagonist Alice, a beautiful blonde—a type Hitchcock was famously drawn to—uses a bread knife to kill an assailant. The presence of food, positioned strategically throughout the scene, echoes Hitchcock’s tendency to link it with seduction, sex, and murder. This attention to detail exemplifies Hitchcock’s ability to make ordinary elements exceptionally significant.
Manipulating sound and visuals
Hitchcock’s mastery is further illustrated by a scene in “Blackmail,” set the day after the murder. As Alice eats breakfast with her family, a neighbor discusses a murder, amplifying Alice’s anxiety. The sound version of the film cleverly amplifies the word “knife,” heightening Alice’s distress. Conversely, the silent version relies solely on visual storytelling, depicting the shadow of Alice’s hand crawling across the bread, underscoring the tension. This comparison underscores Hitchcock’s adept transition from silent cinema, where he was economical with intertitles, to sound, using audio to augment visual storytelling.
Overcoming production challenges
The documentary also highlights Hitchcock’s innovative solutions to production challenges during the sound version of “Blackmail.” Anny Ondra, the film’s lead actress, had a Czech accent unsuitable for her character. Post-production dubbing wasn’t feasible then, so Hitchcock ingeniously had actress Joan Barry deliver Ondra’s dialogue live on set while Ondra performed her scenes. This inventive technique exemplifies Hitchcock’s early sound cinema ingenuity.
Celebrating Hitchcock’s 125th birthday
“Becoming Hitchcock” is the first in a new series of documentaries produced by Studiocanal, emphasizing their diverse catalog. To commemorate Hitchcock’s 125th birthday, the studio will release a Blu-ray box set featuring ten of his films, including “Blackmail,” “Murder,” “The Skin Game,” and “Champagne,” available in the U.K. and Germany in December. The documentary will air on Ciné+ in France in January and Warner Bros’ Max in early 2025.
Upcoming documentaries by Laurent Buzereau
Following “Becoming Hitchcock,” director Laurent Buzereau will premiere another documentary, “Music by John Williams,” at the AFI Fest on October 23. This film explores the iconic composer’s contributions to some of Hollywood’s most significant movies. Buzereau is also wrapping up a feature documentary on the “Jaws” phenomenon in time for its 50th anniversary in 2025.
The legacy of Hitchcock lives on
The Lumière Film Festival, celebrating cinematic classics, runs in Lyon from October 12-20, offering a perfect platform to premiere such a significant documentary. “Becoming Hitchcock – The Legacy of Blackmail” takes an in-depth look at the early years of one of cinema’s most influential directors, providing an insightful and enlightening experience for audiences worldwide.
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