A major new biography is published this month which refutes the claims from personal grievances.
As A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy is released to coincide with the centenary of Alfred Hitchcock’s directorial debut, the book has been favourably received by reviewers, critics, and readers. Drawing on previously unpublished interviews, archival research, and decades of conversations with Hitchcock’s collaborators, the book re-examines the life, work, and legacy of the Master of Suspense while challenging many long-held assumptions about the filmmaker.
Here are some of the highlights from the first wave of reviews:
“Every Hitchcock fan will want to read this even-handed, superbly argued, and long-overdue insight into Hitchcock’s complex personality.” — Library Journal (Starred Review)
“A splendid, even-handed book about a complicated and enormously influential filmmaker.” — Booklist
“A new Alfred Hitchcock biography sheds light on the controversial The Birds scene… examining the ‘Master of Suspense’ through archival material and fresh interviews.” — Entertainment Weekly
“A keen mix of reportage and film scholarship.” — Flick Attack
“A fascinating read and one that offers something different from the usual narrative around the filmmaker.” — Entertainment Focus (Entertainment Focus)
“Moral tracked down the transcript of Spoto’s 1980 interview with Hedren… finding he ‘framed his questions carefully’ as if ‘to steer the conversation to validate his thesis.’” — Shepherd Express (Shepherd Express) “Hopefully, A Century of Hitchcock will help dissolve Spoto’s legacy.”
“A studious look at the man widely considered the greatest filmmaker in the medium’s history.” – The Boston Globe
“The legacy of Alfred Hitchcock is certainly more complex now than it was at time of his death. The MeToo# movement played a part in the shift, while the movies and words of all collaborators must be considered. This book from Tony Lee Moral helps us do so.” – Red Carpet Crash
The book explores Hitchcock’s artistic achievements, his enduring influence on modern cinema, and the myths that have shaped public perceptions of him for decades. It also examines the impact of key biographies and the evolving debate surrounding Hitchcock’s personal and professional life. As Hitchcock enters his second century, we hope this book encourages readers to revisit both the films and the stories we tell about the man behind them.
A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy is published by the University Press of Kentucky and is available now.
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