I can't vouch for the historical accuracy of the inspired and entertaining HITCHCOCK, starring Anthony Hopkins as the master of suspense films and psychological thrillers, but I know I had a great time watching this story unfold. The film covers the period when Alfred Hitchcock made arguably his most famous film, PSYCHO, despite having no studio back him financially in the production. Robert Bloch's novel was deemed too tawdry and depraved to be made into a film, which is exactly why Hitchcock was driven to make it.
The film wisely also covers the vital role that Hitchcock's wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), played in the writing, conception and even the directing and editing of this and most of his works. Despite Hitchcock's tendencies to fixate on his leading ladies, the creative coupling he and his wife shared was one of the greatest in film history, and it's nicely chronicled in HITCHCOCK.
The film also stars Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, Jessica Biel as Vera Miles and James D'Arcy as the wonderfully skittish Anthony Perkins. The film was directed by Sacha Gervasi, who helmed the great documentary ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL. And shock of shocks, I happen to have seats for an advance Chicago screening for Ain't It Cool News readers happening Monday, November 19 at 7:00pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to those who win). Here's how to win tickets (each winners is allowed one confirmed guest)…
Send me an email at HitchcockChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line "Hitch-chotic!" (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your Name, whether or not you're bringing a Guest (winners can bring one guest, whose name is not required), and the answer to the following question: "What is your favorite Alfred Hitchcock film, and why?" The word limit on this answer is 75 words or less (anything over that goes in the trash.) The most interesting answers (as judged by me) will win. Winners will hear from me soon.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News screening, winners will have reserved seats until 6:45pm, at which time any unclaimed seats will be given away. So you should arrive early to make sure you get in and get a good seat. If you can't arrive early, don't enter this contest. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guest will have to back out of attending if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter.
I want you to read the previous paragraph and this paragraph very carefully. We've had way too many last-minute cancellations at recent screenings, so the 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply for this screening. If you enter this contest, win, and cancel or don't show up for ANY REASON, the black list will become your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to Fox Searchlight Pictures for giving us this very cool screening.
