Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic : Book Review

"Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic" by Dan Auiler is an incredibly captivating and extensively researched book that delves deep into the creation process of Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film, "Vertigo." Auiler takes readers on a fascinating journey from the film's inception to its release and subsequent reception. Through meticulous attention to detail, the author provides readers with insights and behind-the-scenes stories, ultimately offering a comprehensive understanding of the film's production and the challenges Hitchcock faced during its making.

Auiler's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a delightful read for both ardent Hitchcock fans and film enthusiasts in general. By effortlessly blending film theory and analysis with personal anecdotes, the book manages to be both informative and entertaining. Through this combination, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship behind "Vertigo," as Auiler intricately dissects various aspects of the film, including its cinematography and score.

One of the highlights of the book is Auiler's exploration of the symbolism and thematic elements present in "Vertigo." Through his analysis, he highlights the recurring motifs and visual cues throughout the film, revealing Hitchcock's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey profound psychological messages through subtle imagery. Such insights add another layer of appreciation for the film, prompting readers to reconsider its impact and influence in the realm of cinema.

Additionally, Auiler provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the cast and crew during the production of "Vertigo." From the conflicts between Hitchcock and his leading actors to the difficulties encountered while shooting on location, these anecdotes offer a glimpse into the often-turbulent creative process and its impact on the final product. Such details provide readers with a deeper understanding of the film's context and the obstacles that had to be overcome in order to bring Hitchcock's vision to life.

In conclusion, "Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic" is an essential read for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking and the genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Auiler's extensive research, engaging writing style, and insightful analysis make this book an invaluable resource and a captivating journey into the creation of one of cinema's most enduring masterpieces. Whether a film aficionado or a casual reader, all will find this book to be a rewarding, informative, and enjoyable experience.

What are readers saying?

Dan Auiler's book, "Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic," has garnered mixed reactions from readers. Some readers hailed the book as an exceptional delve into the creation of Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film, "Vertigo." They lauded Auiler's painstaking research, detailed analysis, and comprehensive coverage of the movie's production process. These readers were particularly appreciative of the in-depth explanations of various scenes, character development, and the film's underlying themes. They also praised the inclusion of intriguing behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with the cast and crew, which offered a unique perspective on the film.

However, there were also readers who were disappointed with Auiler's writing style. They felt that the book leaned towards an excessively academic and dry tone, which made it challenging to engage with the material. Some readers noted that the book lacked a cohesive narrative, as it shifted abruptly between different aspects of the film's production without clear transitions. Consequently, these readers expressed confusion and an inability to fully grasp the film's evolution.

Another recurring critique was that the book focused excessively on technical details, potentially alienating casual readers or those seeking a broader analysis of the film. Some found the level of detail to be excessive and believed that it hindered their overall enjoyment of the book.

Regarding the book's presentation, readers generally appreciated the inclusion of behind-the-scenes photos and production stills, which provided visual references to complement the text. However, some readers voiced dissatisfaction with either the quality of these images or their size, finding them inadequate to fully appreciate.

Overall, "Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic" by Dan Auiler received praise for its thorough exploration of the film's production process. Nevertheless, some readers found the writing style, excessive technical focus, and lack of narrative cohesion to be drawbacks.

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