It's Only a Movie: A Personal Biography of Alfred Hitchcock : Book Review

"It's Only a Movie: Alfred Hitchcock, A Personal Biography" by Charlotte Chandler offers an engrossing and intimate account of the life and career of the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. In this captivating biography, Chandler combines extensive research with personal interviews with Hitchcock to provide readers with a unique perspective on the man behind the camera.

Chandler starts by delving into Hitchcock's early years, exploring his childhood in England and his rise in the film industry. She paints a comprehensive and well-rounded picture of this iconic figure, highlighting both his struggles and triumphs. Through her interviews, Chandler unveils Hitchcock's creative process, his obsessions, and the hidden secrets behind his acclaimed films.

The book takes readers behind the scenes of Hitchcock's most famous works, including "Psycho," "Vertigo," and "North by Northwest." Chandler discusses the challenges the director faced during the production of these films and reveals fascinating stories and anecdotes that shaped their creation. She also delves into Hitchcock's relationships with his leading actors, providing valuable insight into the dynamics that influenced their on-set collaborations.

Chandler's writing style is engaging and avoids becoming overwhelming or dry. She skillfully balances providing a well-researched historical account with incorporating personal anecdotes and conversations with Hitchcock. This approach ensures that the biography is not only informative but also enjoyable and entertaining for fans of Hitchcock and the film industry in general.

"It's Only a Movie: Alfred Hitchcock, A Personal Biography" is a must-read for cinephiles seeking a deeper understanding of the man behind some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. Chandler's meticulous research and remarkable access to Hitchcock provide a unique perspective on the director's life and work. This book is a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's library, offering a captivating and personal exploration into the genius of Alfred Hitchcock.

What are readers saying?

Charlotte Chandler's book "It's Only a Movie" has garnered a range of responses from readers. The book provides readers with an intimate look into the lives of Hollywood legends, and opinions on its content and writing style have been mixed.

Many readers have applauded Chandler's work, praising her ability to capture the essence of Hollywood's glamorous Golden Age. They found the book to be captivating and extensively researched, offering a fascinating account of the lives of iconic actors and actresses. Chandler was commended for her unique and valuable interviews with celebrities like Cary Grant and Mae West, which provided readers with insightful perspectives.

However, there were also readers who expressed disappointment with the book. Some felt that it lacked depth and failed to offer groundbreaking insights. Chandler's writing style was critiqued as superficial, lacking the necessary depth to truly understand the experiences of Hollywood icons. The organization of the book was also a point of frustration for some, as they found it disjointed and confusing at times.

One particular criticism of Chandler's work was her heavy reliance on gossip and rumors, which some readers felt diminished the book's credibility. They felt that this approach made the book read more like a tabloid piece rather than a serious biography.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still found enjoyment in the book's entertaining and nostalgic qualities. They appreciated the behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes shared by Chandler, which provided a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's past.

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