Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic by Dan Auiler
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Book Reviews of Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic
Book Review: An absorbing, illuminating, handsomely-produced book
Summary: 4 Stars
Writing ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF 'PSYCHO,' I harbored the hope that more writers would tackle behind-the-scenes sagas of classic older films -- films that have long intrigued, inspired, and deeply moved audiences. Dan Auiler has poured his obsession for 'VERTIGO' ( a study in obsession, among other psychological hobgoblins that make life worth living) into an absorbing, illuminating, handsomely-produced book. I applaud and respect many feats he's accomplished here, not the least of which is that he's been so thorough, yet he's left untouched the essential mystery and haunting quality of Hitchcock's very great work. I know that, just as I ritualistically re-experience "Vertigo" once or twice yearly, I will also happily revisit Mr. Auiler's book.Book Review: Entertainment Weekly, June 12, 1997 Review
Summary: 4 Stars
Like the protagonist of Hitchcock's flawed yet indelible masterpiece, Auiler is A Man Obsessed. His mission: to unravel the sinuous helix-a French novel, botched early screenplays, a disgruntled little knot of blondes-that swirled beneath the director's highly buffed Paramount surfaces. And, he does an admirable job, especially considering that this is a rabbit hole down which so many (Donald Spoto, Francois Truffaut and countless academics) have tumbled before. The storyboards he found are eerie; so, too, is how narrowly the film escaped being called, urp, Face in the Shadow. A- --Alexandra Jacobs.Book Review: Little insight, little research
Summary: 2 Stars
The author's main source for this book are the production notes from the film, when it was photographed in 1957. And it shows. There are few interviews, few insights on the filmmaking/creative process. If you're looking for something like a travel guide of San Francisco and a dry account of the number of takes Hitchcock printed for each scene, then you'll be satisfied with the book. If you're curious about why Hitchcock or Jimmy Stewart make the decisions they do, and their opinions on their own work, you'll find little of that here. I loved the film--it's one of my favorites, but I was very disappointed in this book. Better to read Hitchcock by Truffaut for an inside look at filmmaking with Hitchcock...Book Review: Fact-filled but dull account.
Summary: 2 Stars
Fact-filled but dull account of the creation, and rebirth, of this absorbing, extraordinary film. Ubiquitous film maven Martin Scorsese provides yet another say-nothing foreword. Nice selection of photos, though.