This book is an excellent document of who Hitchcock's mind worked, picked apart piece by piece - film by film - by Truffaut, another bonafida master of the medium. Hitchcock is so assure of himself and his place, because his self-critique isn't so whitewashed and he admits to mistakes, admits to acts of brilliance and admits most of all that he was truly the genius filmmaker that every who has seen at least 3 of his films can attest to.

Detailed discussion on how shots were done in say, Psycho, Vertigo, The Birds. Script changes in Rebecca, Suspicion and Spellbound.

Hitch's method is unique and can't (nor shouldn't) be copied, but to understand it enriches a readers subsequent understanding of cinema who's career spanned from the Silents to the 1970s!!! And he left and indeliable mark on directing, and film-storytelling as whole.

The only other interview book that is as exhaustive in the craft of filmmaking are Peter Bogdanovich's WHO THE DEVIL MADE I.T. His THIS IS ORSON WELLES isn't a bad supplement either!!

This is THE book for anyone who's seen the Master of Suspense's classics, and want to know more about them. Truffuat, a great director in his own right, is one of the best interviewers I have ever read. His own knowledge of film and its techniques lend him particular insight into what makes Hitch tick. Perhaps best of all, you learn which of his movies Sir Alfred liked; which he didn't; and even projects or sequences he always wished to do, but never could. The only problem is that if you have not seen a movie they are discussing, they explain the plot, with the ending, so watch out for spoilers. Still, Hitchcock didn't give many interviews and this one isn't to be missed

this book conveys two fundamental aspects of art: respect and friendship. it is clear from the opening introductory essay that truffaut genuinely loved, respected, and cared for the works of hitchcock, moreover, for the person behind the art. and in their discussions, it is all the more clear that genuine friendship and admiration occurred between the two. truffaut's questions are informed and probing, but above all, his enthusiasm for the films echo throughout. he carefully balances formal questions with his account of his own first impressions. hitchcock is lively, never condescending, with an air of immense pride for his works.

reading this book is like sitting in on a great conversation between two passionate people. it's a hard book to put down as every page is replete with great film stills and engaging discussions. truffaut covers the entire hitchcock oeuvre. for this, we should be grateful as he reminds us of the many number of works that are still widely unavailable and unseen.

the book opens with a sort of a manifesto by truffaut as to what great cinema should be. the discussions that follow fall along the paths that truffaut lays down: what is suspense, the role of arbitrary fate, the unreality of the cinematic image, and how to tell a good story. it ends with a thoughtful tribute, of truffaut's reminiscences of his last encounters with hitchcock. it's a moving portrait of the last years of a genius.

this book includes a helpful "bibliography" (cinemaography?) of every hitchcock movie.

a truely invaluable book for any cinemaphile.