Do You Like Hitchcock? (2005) (TV)

- Ti piace Hitchcock?
I can't help but feel a bit disappointed, 17 August 2006

Maybe I get myself too worked up over a new Argento release because, once again, I'm somewhat disappointed. I wasn't expecting a return to the grand old days of Deep Red or Tenebre. I would have been satisfied with something along the lines of Sleepless. What I got with Do You Like Hitchcock? was something just barely above average. Yeah, I know, it's a TV movie. So what? Mediocre is mediocre. While there are some enjoyable moments in the film and instances where flashes of the old Argento shine through, these aspects of Do You Like Hitchcock? are offset by some equally unenjoyable, uninspired moments in the film.

The concept of a film that pays homage to Hitchcock is an interesting idea. For the most part, Argento and co-scriptwriter Franco Ferrini do an acceptable job of setting up tense and thrilling moments that would have made Hitchcock proud. The first kill scene is classic Argento. You know what's coming, but Argento drags it out and builds the tension until it's almost unbearable. Again, it's a classic Argento moment. Unfortunately, there are places where Do You Like Hitchcock? drags. Despite Argento's best efforts, the scene where the protagonist is trying to make a getaway on his moped in the rain goes on and on far too long. You know the character is in no real danger at this point in the film, yet Argento seems to insist on dragging out this non-suspenseful sequence with no payoff. It's a real low point in the movie.

The film's main Hitchcock inspirations are Rear Window and Strangers on a Train. And while Argento successfully plays the Strangers on a Train plot aspects, the Rear Window bits felt more like Argento paying homage to Brian De Palma paying homage to Hitchcock. The final scenes in Do You Like Hitchcock? have much more in common with De Palma's Body Double than they do Hitchcock's Rear Window.

Argento's films are known for their "look". Bright, vivid colors dominate much of Argento's earlier, more successful work. And there are moments in Do You Like Hitchcock? where you can see the Argento "look". The night scenes feature a variety of colors and interesting angles and are a throwback to Argento's previous films. There is one scene in particular of a red staircase with a purple handrail and unique lighting that could have been from Suspiria. But the daytime scenes are just the opposite. In comparison with the nighttime scenes, those shot in the day are downright pedestrian. They look as if anyone with a camera could have filmed these scenes.

There are a lot of aspects (acting, special effects, score, etc.) that I haven't even touched on, but I'll end this here anyway. Overall, I'm glad to have gotten the chance to see Do You Like Hitchcock? And while I was reasonably entertained throughout, I can't help but feel disappointed. Those hoping for a return to Argento's glory days will most likely feel the same disappointment.

6/10