The Art of Alfred Hitchcock: Fifty Years of His Motion Pictures

Must buy very good quality

I loved this book. It was written 50 years ago yet still gives a definitive narrative of most (perhaps all) of Alfred Hitchcock’s films. The photos are great too. The vendor on Amazon Marketplace delivered a book that was accurately described as far as condition was concerned. Also it arrived in a timely manner. A must for film buffs like me.

Fantastic that I got hold of this book again after many years of being without it. Firstly I am not a big fan of Hitchcock, his films have never really grabbed me, as Ken Russell said, 'everyone feels they should admire him as a master but is he?' Anyway, 40 years of not getting Hitchcock as a master saw me buying 12 of his movies and not being able to watch them till I got a copy of this. It's the definitive book on his actual films. Read it then watch the film then read that section again. I still don't see me being a big fan but this will give me the best understanding of each film I can get as well as allowing me to enjoy the film a whole lot more. I don't want the updated version as while not a big fan of Hitch, I really don't want someone to try and pull him down, as I know that while I might not totally get it, millions did.

Donald Spoto's classic is still one of the best overall examinations on the films of Alfred Hitchcock. As a fan of the director and cinema in general, this book is one of my favourites- exactly what I was looking for. Well written and well organized, perfect for those seeking the deeper themes, subtext, symbolism, cinematic technique and creative process of the master of suspense. The majority of the book is intellectual, but compelling and accessible essays, an analytical walk-through of his works in chronological order. Featuring some biographical elements, a gallery of stills and photographs in B&W, a storyboard example, and catalogue of his films with cast and crew. This book definitely made me want to revisit many of the masterpieces (the chapters on Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window and The Birds are especially interesting) and see or return to films I dismissed or overlooked with new insight and perspective. Also recommended: Taschen's Alfred Hitchcock: The Complete Films, for a fine collection of beautiful photography and film stills.

Another delighted customer

This is a good introduction to thinking about Hitchcock's films critically. The recurring themes and images that show Hitchcock was not just a technical master, but an artist.