“Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail” (2024) written & directed by Laurent Bouzereau / Z-View

Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail (2024)

Director:  Laurent Bouzereau

Screenplay: Laurent Bouzereau

Stars: Elvis Mitchell (narrator), Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Balsam, Raymond Burr, Anthony Dawson, John Gavin, Cary Grant, Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly, Martin Landau, Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Curtiss Cook, Eva Marie Saint and James Stewart.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Laurent Bouzereau explores how Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film Blackmail foreshadows many of the themes and techniques that would make Hitchcock one of the world’s most famous directors.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Blackmail was made right as silent films were transitioning to “talkies”.  Hitchcock made Blackmail to be shown in either format.  To accomplish this some scenes were shot differently.  This documentary showcases the scenes side by side.

If you’re a die hard Hitchcock fan, this is for you.  If not, your mileage may vary.

Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.