Selznick during the six or seven years of their collaboration on such films as Rebecca, Notorious, Spellbound, and The Paradine Case. He was, of course, famous due to the publicity masterminded by producer David O. In the fifties and sixties, Hitchcock was at the height of his creativity and popularity. Young people who are just discovering his art through the current rerelease of Rear Window and Vertigo, or through North by Northwest, may assume his prestige has always been recognized, but this is far from being the case. Nowadays, the work of Alfred Hitchcock is admired all over the world. If you are a devotee of the master I can almost guarantee you'll love it. Hitchcock and his films you're almost certain to get something useful out of this book. That can get wearying at times.If you're a even a casual fan of Mr. This is done in a matter of fact way, not in a gossipy or snide manner.Truffaut as interviewer (and obvious fan) seems to want to turn everything into a pontification on symbolism and the deeper meanings of everything. In many cases (mostly some of his less successful later films) Hitchcock did not get the people he wanted in major roles and he discusses why he believes some of these actors and actresses simply did fit the role. There are bits of information on just about all of Hitchcock's films - certainly the better known ones - ranging from casting choices to production anecdotes to film techniques and even Hitchcock's personal opinion as to why a particular film did or didn't work for the audience.I particularly liked when the discussion went to casting choices.

You get a little insight - not a lot - into some of Hitchcock's methods and thought processes. It can be dry reading at times especially in the beginning and when they engage in technical talk.The book is divided into sections covering different periods of Hitchcock's career. There are a few humorous moments but I wouldn't exactly call this a fun read. Interesting and informative discussion sessions with Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock.

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