Celebrating the Master of Suspense in Hitchcock/Truffaut

By JBFC Marketing Assistant, Sarah Soliman

In 1962, a 30 year old François Truffaut wrote to Alfred Hitchcock; the young director wanted to tell the elder how much he admired his films. The result of that letter was an interview, taking place over several days, in which the two men discussed each of Hitchcock’s films at length. The book Truffaut published of those conversations with Hitchcock became, as Kent Jones’ documentary Hitchcock/Truffaut shows, a must-read for future generations of cinephiles. Hitchcock/Truffaut also gives us a look into that 1962 meeting, examines Hitchcock’s films through the lens of his own words, and explores the influence both Hitchcock’s work and Truffaut’s book have had on some of contemporary cinema’s own auteurs.

Hitchcock/Truffaut gives us a glimpse of Hitchcock’s mind at work—his explanation of the scene in Vertigo when James Stewart watches Kim Novak walk out of the bathroom is quite something—further illuminating why he is one of cinema’s most legendary figures. The film also presents a uniquely layered picture of film expertise: critic-turned-director Kent Jones has made a film about another critic-turned-director interviewing his favorite director, using footage of yet more directors—Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, David Fincher, and Richard Linklater all appear—talking about their relationship with Hitchcock and Truffaut’s work. A delightful embrace of film geekery infuses Hitchcock/Truffaut, giving us a singular perspective on both the history of cinema, and the ways generations of filmmakers are in constant conversation with each other.

You’ll also get a chance to experience some of Hitchcock’s best films as they were meant to be seen, at the JBFC’s screenings of Vertigo, Psycho, and The Birds. Feel the awe, fear, and suspense wash over you as you watch these films on the big screen.

Hitchcock himself said: “Why do these Hitchcock films stand up well? They don’t look old-fashioned. Well I don’t know the answer.” Not to contradict the great man, but watching his films, still masterpieces all these decades later, it’s clear he knew the answer after all.

Hitchcock/Truffaut opens at the Burns on Friday, February 12 with a Q&A with filmmaker Kent Jones following the 7:30 pm screening. Tickets are on sale now! And join us for a selection of Hitchcock’s films: Vertigo, Psycho, and The Birds each screen for one night only!