AUDIO

Alfred Hitchcock: A Brief Life

by Peter Ackroyd
9 CDs. 10:33 hrs. Books on Tape. Oct. 2016. ISBN 9780735285163. $45. digital download. FILM
COPY ISBN
Alfred Hitchcock (1899…1980), one of the most famous directors to ever work in Hollywood, has been written about many times over the past decades. While biographer Ackroyd doesn't really bring any new material, he does offer an entertaining if by-the-numbers account of the influential man's life and work. Although Hitchcock projected an image of perfection and control on his sets, he suffered from a variety of phobias and insecurities developed early in childhood. A consummate workaholic, he appeased his inner demons and sexual obsessions through constant filmmaking. This is an insightful and sometimes poignant biography. Stage and screen actor Gildart Jackson is an excellent narrator and offers a perfect imitation of his subject.
VERDICT This entertaining biography is concise but strong on biographical detail and film analysis, with just enough gossipy anecdotes to satisfy Hitchcock's fans and anyone interested in film history. ["[Ackroyd] does a fine job of discussing the positives and negatives, as well as behind-the-scenes stories, and even technological innovations for each film": LJ 8/16 review of the Doubleday hc.]
Reviewed by Phillip Oliver, formerly with Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence , Mar 01, 2017
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