Title: Hitchcock und die Geschichte von Psycho
Author: Stephen Rebello
First published January 1, 1990
412 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9783453437265
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Are you a fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller Psycho? If so, you won’t want to miss Stephen Rebello’s book Hitchcock und die Geschichte von Psycho.
This meticulously researched and highly readable volume takes you behind the scenes of the making of the greatest horror movie of all time. Even Tony Perkins, the star of the film, praised Rebello’s work as “irresistible” and “required reading”.
And it’s not just for die-hard Psycho fans – anyone interested in the fascinating world of movie creation will find this book a must-read. With interviews from the master himself and other insiders, this is one of the best accounts of the making of an individual movie ever written.
Don’t miss out on this killer book!
About the Author
Meet Stephen Rebello, an accomplished screenwriter, journalist, and author. His work has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and he’s based in the bustling city of Los Angeles.
You may have read some of his feature stories in top magazines like Cosmopolitan, GQ, More, and The Advocate. Currently, he serves as a contributing editor for Playboy magazine.
Stephen Rebello is also the mastermind behind the screen adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, which later became the basis of the Fox Searchlight dramatic feature film, Hitchcock. This star-studded movie featured a talented cast including Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, James D’Arcy, Danny Huston, Ralph Macchio, and Michael Wincott.
Editoral Review
Stephen Rebello’s Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most iconic films of all time. As a journalist and writer, Rebello’s extensive research and access to primary sources offer a unique perspective on the creation and reception of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece.
The book is a perfect blend of history and biography, offering insights into the lives of the key players involved in the film’s production, including Hitchcock, writer Robert Bloch, and stars Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. Rebello also delves into the cultural and societal context surrounding Psycho’s release, including the censorship battles and the emergence of the horror genre.
Without giving away any spoilers, Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho takes readers step-by-step through the creative process behind the film, from its conception to its iconic shower scene. Along the way, Rebello provides vivid descriptions of the sets, costumes, and cinematography, allowing readers to envision the film’s raw energy and suspense.
One of the strengths of this book is Rebello’s ability to balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. He provides the necessary background information without weighing the book down in dry exposition, and his writing style is both accessible and engaging.
Additionally, Rebello’s firsthand accounts and interviews with the film’s cast and crew offer an intimate perspective that is hard to find elsewhere. However, one minor criticism of this book is that it can be overly detailed at times.
Rebello’s meticulous research is a strength, but there are moments when the minutiae of the production process can become overwhelming, making it hard to keep track of all the information. That said, Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho is a must-read for film buffs and Hitchcock fans alike.
It’s an insightful look into a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate audiences over half a century later. Rebello’s contribution to the subject has been widely regarded as a primary source book for Hitchcock’s masterpiece, capturing the director’s unique vision and the astounding talent behind one of the greatest horror movies of all time.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the film industry, Alfred Hitchcock, or horror movies. Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho is a masterful work that balances scholarly research with compelling storytelling, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from me.