Mark Cousins’ “My Identify is Alfred Hitchcock” is a peculiar documentary/visible essay on movies by The Grasp of Suspense.
Coming from an authoritative movie analyst as Cousins, it appears like a can’t miss concept, however there’s a catch: As an alternative of simply dipping into Hitchcock’s movies, Cousins has an actor present an unceasing voiceover, pretending to be Hitchcock narrating a take a look at his work.
The issue isn’t the content material however within the presentation.
The feature-length gimmick of an actor performing as Hitchcock is a feature-length irritation, not the novelty Cousins’ clearly meant. It jogs my memory of the time Wealthy Little supplied vocals as David Niven for a Pink Panther cameo – you initially admire the hutzpah earlier than groaning over what an apparent little bit of mimicry it’s.
In presenting a dialogue on early movies like “The Ring” (1927) and “The Flawed Man” (1956), Cousins encourages us to lean in and see the modern digicam strikes that made Hitchcock’s model so distinct, even at the beginning of his profession. But, listening to a faux-Hitchcock clarify his cinematography decisions to us is simply … bizarre.
For the reason that narration begins with the faux Hitchcock saying he’s been useless for 40 years, the fake Hitchcock babbles on in a cheeky trend that’s on no account an alternative choice to the actual factor. As I listened to this impersonation taking part in over moments from a number of the greatest films I’ve ever seen, I usually thought, Hitchcock would by no means have mentioned this.
Alistair McGowan offers the voice in query – his impression is simply that, a pantomime that by no means convinces. To be truthful, it’s a tall order, as Hitchcock’s voice is among the most recognizable on the earth.
Nevertheless, even Anthony Hopkins in “Hitchcock” (2012) did a greater job of it. McGowan’s vocal efficiency is like listening to a Sean Connery impression. You possibly can admire the eye to element however always remember you’re listening to an act.
McGowan’s thick, phlegmy take is just too mannered and self-conscious.
Cousins is clearly a extremely achieved and passionate movie scholar, however this is able to be higher together with his or anybody else’s narration. Even when some fascinating tidbit or extra arcane little bit of movie historical past arises, I used to be irritated by having to take heed to a second-rate impression of a director who deserved a lot extra.
If the thought is to offer “My Identify is Alfred Hitchcock” as a studying device for movie college students, then maybe it can discover an appreciative viewers. But, every part from “Hitchcock/Truffaut” (2015) to any dozens of present interviews with Mr. Hitchcock are higher options.
The quantity of footage readily available is spectacular, even staggering – a extra standard method would have labored higher.
Cousins has had hassle with narration in a movie documentary earlier than: I learn his 2004 e-book, “The Story of Movie,” which is great, however I watched the 15-hour adaptation as a documentary, “The Story of Movie: An Odyssey,” which is way much less so, as a result of Cousins’ personal narration.
In that case, he ought to have employed another person to learn his work.
A few of the data supplied is fascinating, like using a ramp to make Claude Rains seem taller than Ingrid Bergman in “Infamous” (1946) and the point out of the unique ending of “Psycho” (1960).
Breaking the documentary into chapters was smart however interspersing up to date and mediocre footage that isn’t worthy of Hitchcock is one more misguided concept. Opening on the reveal of an enormous Hitchcock statue, for instance, solely permits for extra cornball observations and will get issues off to an odd begin.
Hitchcock made a number of the most luxurious movies within the historical past of cinema. It’s all the time a pleasure to observe his work, whether or not in clips or, far preferable, the complete movie.
Right here, I used to be joyful to observe a scene from “Vertigo” (1958) or “The Lodger” (1927) however discovered the Hitchcock impression the equal of sitting in a theater subsequent to a nitwit who gained’t shut up.
Two Stars