Hitchcock/Truffaut

Hitchcock/Truffaut, directed by Kent Jones, is a 2015 documentary feature that focuses on the legendary week-long series of interviews conducted in 1962 between young French auteur François Truffaut and his cinematic hero, Alfred Hitchcock. Noted director and film scholar Peter Bogdanovich, alongside contemporary visionary directors David Fincher and Wes Anderson, provides intriguing commentary and perspectives throughout the documentary. The film is a tantalizing treatise on artistic obsession, cinematic storytelling, and a love letter to the so-called "Master of Suspense" Alfred Hitchcock, giving us a rarely seen insight into his processes, ideology, and the massive influence he had over future generation of filmmakers.

The central core of this wonderful documentary is the series of interviews that Truffaut, himself a pioneer of the French New Wave, had with Hitchcock. At the time Truffaut was just a youthful cinephile with an intense desire to understand the wizardry behind Hitchcock’s inimitable cinematic style. It was these discussions that later resulted in the acclaimed book, Hitchcock/Truffaut, which most film students would now consider essential reading.

The documentary begins with a brief introduction to Alfred Hitchcock, who, despite his profound impact on cinema, was primarily considered a talented entertainer rather than an artist. Jones then transitions to François Truffaut, a filmmaker known for juggling the roles of film critic, director, and superfan. His immense reverence for Hitchcock leads him to write a letter requesting a series of interviews, with hopes to uncover the creative depth behind Hitchcock's entertaining films. The subsequent meeting between the two directors, recorded on reel-to-reel tape, forms the spine of the documentary.

Director Kent Jones ingeniously weaves together a medley of voiceovers, snippets from the original interview tapes, classic Hitchcock movie clips, and observations from contemporary filmmakers like David Fincher, Wes Anderson, and Peter Bogdanovich. Each of them share their insights into Hitchcock’s influences and stylistic choices. Their anecdotes and interpretations act as a fascinating lens, bringing new perspectives to some of Hitchcock's most iconic scenes.

Hitchcock/Truffaut aims to investigate the depth within Hitchcock’s work, along with the idea that fundamental elements of filmmaking, such as framing, editing, and the manipulation of time, can be used to craft powerful emotional experiences. The documentary doesn't shy away from dissecting Hitch's controversial treatment of his leading ladies or his notorious meticulousness in regard to his intricate production preparation process. However, it never strays too far from the spirited zeal that Hitchcock had for creating tense, thrilling and engaging cinematic experiences.

To add a global perspective on Hitchcock’s legacy, Jones also brings in other international directors like the Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa and French director Olivier Assayas. They discuss how Hitchcock's work touched their own cinema approach and how his techniques can be found in films across the globe. The documentary also includes charming animations of Hitchcock and Truffaut's correspondence, along with audio clips from their historic 1962 interview, that sound as fresh and intriguing as if it were conducted just yesterday.

In essence, Hitchcock/Truffaut is a fascinating trove of information for passionate admirers of Hitchcock, Truffaut, or cinema overall. The documentary explores the creative methods of an iconic director, viewed through the eyes of his protégé and those he influenced. Its goal is not just to examine, but to celebrate the art of Hitchcock and illuminate how his work forever changed the landscape of filmmaking. It is a must-watch for anyone harboring a love of cinema and its potential, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lives and creative processes of two visionary directors of the 20th century.

The film underscores that Hitchcock was not merely a visionary in storytelling, but also a craftmaster who had a profound understanding of the psychological impact of visuals. Hitchcock/Truffaut provides a fascinating reassessment of Hitchcock's filmmaking stature, infusing the analysis of his craft with the infectious enthusiasm of his most devoted follower. It bridges two generations of filmmaking, contributing to a better understanding of film history and the influence of pioneers in the field.

Indeed, Hitchcock/Truffaut stands as a voluminous tribute to the enduring influence of Hitchcock’s cinema and as an interesting exploration of the relationship between two brilliant filmmakers who find common ground through their shared passion for the seventh art. It captivates its audience with reminiscences, analyses, and endearing moments and ends up being a reverential ode to the magic of movies.