
Do You Like Hitchcock

Do You Like Hitchcock
"Two divinely gifted geniuses = a diabolic thriller!"
Where to Watch Do You Like Hitchcock

Do You Like Hitchcock is an Italian made-for-TV movie that was first broadcast in 2005. It is a critically acclaimed suspense thriller directed by renowned filmmaker Dario Argento. Apart from his numerous other works, this film stands out as Argento's homage to master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.
The movie stars Elio Germano, one of Italy's most lauded contemporary actors, known for his versatile role choices and showing his exceptional acting range in this film. He is exceptional in his role as Giulio, a film studies student with a particular affinity for the works of Hitchcock. Other notable performances are turned in by Chiara Conti and Elisabetta Rocchetti, who deftly portray the mysterious women that Giulio becomes obsessed with.
The movie starts on a seemingly innocent note. Giulio, the main protagonist, lives in Turin with his mother, where he studies film at university. As a lifelong movie fanatic, he enjoys spending his spare time at the local video store, eagerly consuming Hitchcock’s filmography and classics from other renowned directors. One day, at this very video store, Giulio observes two women, Sasha and Federica. He finds these women fascinating and eerie at the same time, which leads him to start spying on them as he begins to get drawn into their lives.
Chiara Conti delivers a charismatic performance as Sasha, Giulio's attractive neighbor who he initially spots at the video store. On the other hand, Elisabetta Rocchetti presents an equally captivating performance as the enigmatic Federica, the woman Sasha rents a film with.
As Giulio delves more into Sasha and Federica's lives, he starts to pick up on certain sinister elements that resonate with the plots of Hitchcock's films he is so obsessed with. As reality starts to blur with his cinematic fears, a thrilling mystery begins to unravel. Although the increasing tension and suspense are a significant part of the film's appeal, what sets Do You Like Hitchcock apart from others in the genre is the way it incorporates film theory and cinematic references into its plot. Giulio's story acts as a real-time case study of how cinema impacts our perception of reality, making it a meta-commentary on the power of film as a medium.
Moreover, the film is replete with metaphoric camera angles and thrilling music, paying tribute to the pioneering visual storytelling techniques of Alfred Hitchcock. From sweeping shots reminiscent of 'Birds' to claustrophobic close-ups akin to 'Psycho,' there are plenty of Hitchcockian allusions throughout the movie for the discerning cinephile.
Director Dario Argento, known for his masterful use of suspense and terror, truly shines with Do You Like Hitchcock. He weaves together a plot drawing from the works of the legendary Hitchcock to create a compelling narrative filled with intrigue and suspense. His characters, dialogue, and scenes are carefully crafted and reminiscent of Hitchcock's, making this a true homage to the "Master of Suspense".
The integration of Giulio’s obsession with film into the storyline adds an extra level of profundity to the narrative. In a way, this idiosyncratic approach parallels Argento's lifelong dedication to and passion for the world of film, adding a deeper layer to the suspenseful narrative.
The soundtrack also plays a major role in creating and enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere, with a thrilling score that highlights the dangerous situations Giulio finds himself in.
As an homage to Hitchcock, Do You Like Hitchcock is successful in capturing the wit, suspense, and skilled storytelling synonymous with the legendary director. It goes beyond a simple imitation, however, as Argento skillfully combines elements of classic Hitchcockian narratives with his unique approach to filmmaking to create a film that is complex, suspenseful, and deeply engaging. Above all, it is a movie that celebrates the power of cinema as a medium and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
Fans of suspenseful thrillers, cinema lovers, and those with a particular fondness for Hitchcock's work should find Do You Like Hitchcock? a captivating and unique viewing experience that effectively blends cinematic homage with Argento's signature style.
