Hitchcock

In 1959, director Alfred Hitchcock celebrates the success of his film *North by Northwest*. This achievement puts him back in the spotlight, but it also brings an unsettling suggestion from a reporter that it's time for him to retire.

Feeling the pressure to innovate, Hitchcock rejects multiple offers for adaptations, including the chance to work on *Casino Royale*. Instead, he becomes captivated by the horror novel *Psycho* by Robert Bloch, inspired by the gruesome details of serial killer Ed Gein.

Hitchcock's wife Alma expresses her skepticism towards his choice to adapt *Psycho*, echoing concerns raised by their mutual friends. However, she gradually begins to see the bold potential in his vision.

As Alma warms up to the project, she proposes a daring twist: to kill off the film’s female lead early in the story. This idea pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and reflects the couple's innovative spirit.

Faced with resistance from studio executives, Hitchcock decides to self-fund the film, investing his own money. He enlists the crew from his television series *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*, showcasing his commitment to the project.

During the film's production, Hitchcock encounters scrutiny from Geoffrey Shurlock of the Motion Picture Production Code. This creates additional tension, as Hitchcock juggles both creative challenges and external pressures.

While Hitchcock becomes consumed by the film, Alma begins to secretly collaborate with writer Whitfield Cook on his screenplay. This decision stems from her need for creative expression and support during a tumultuous time.

Upon discovering Alma's partnership with Cook, Hitchcock's jealousy grows, causing rifts in their relationship. His imagination of betrayal leads to a decline in his focus on key film scenes, particularly the infamous shower scene.

As Hitchcock faces exhaustion and illness, Alma steps in to oversee production, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to both him and the film. Their partnership is tested as emotional tensions peak.

Tensions rise dramatically when Hitchcock confronts Alma about her loyalty, accusing her of infidelity. Feeling deeply hurt and offended by his accusations, Alma vehemently denies any wrongdoing, underscoring her sacrifices for their marriage.

After pouring his heart into *Psycho*, Hitchcock is met with a disappointing reception of the rough cut. Both he and Alma experience frustrations as they navigate ongoing challenges in their professional and personal lives.

Despite previous conflicts, Hitchcock and Alma reconcile and begin collaborating more closely on the film. Their renewed partnership is pivotal, leading them to refine the movie into a groundbreaking cinematic experience.

Alma persuades Hitchcock to include Bernard Hermann's iconic string score to amplify the shower scene's tension. This decision heightens the film's emotional impact and solidifies the scene as one of the most memorable in cinematic history.

As release day approaches, Hitchcock faces disappointing news about *Psycho*'s limited marketing and distribution. Determined, he devises unique strategies, including restricting theater entry after showtime, to attract audiences.

At the premiere of *Psycho*, Hitchcock anxiously awaits audience reactions. The film receives overwhelming praise, marking a triumphant moment in his career, and he publicly acknowledges Alma's vital contributions to their success.