Hitchcock by Truffaut

Of all the film books I've wanted to get my hands on, the one I wanted to read the most was "Hitchcock" by Francois Truffaut. Since I chose Truffaut as my Director's spotlight back in August, I have found a totally new appreciation of his work, both as a director, and a critic. For many, Truffaut's book on The Master is the ultimate examination of his work, so since this was my month of Hitchcock, I found it the appropriate time to seek out this book.

After having just read it, I must say, the book is essential reading for anyone who loves these two men or just love film in general. It was wonderful reading the extensive interviews as Hitchcock discusses all 53 of his films with Truffaut, himself being a walking Hitchcock encyclopedia. There were many favourite passages, but I think the film Truffaut was most passionate talking about was "Rear Window" which he describes as "pure cinema".

The book is both insightful and enjoyable and should be a required text book for any film student. After reading it, you not only get a better view of Hitchcock but of Truffaut as well. As I was reading it I had a deep feeling of sadness knowing that these two giants and film enthusiasts were now gone, and it is quite unlikely we'll see their kind again. I felt I was reading a part of their legacy, a written document about their contribution to film.

Although the book is about the work of Hitchcock, it can be said that it speaks almost equally about Truffaut, we get the sense about how both men viewed the world of cinema. Hitchcock might not have been as famous today or respected had it not been for Truffaut, the two helped each other in their film careers. After reading "Hitchcock" by Truffaut, I now cannot think of one without the other.