Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense

While this meticulous if fictionalized graphic biography of Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980) is as attentive to minutiae as one of its subject’s seminal films, it loses its momentum amid a storm of trivial elements. Cinema scholar Simsolo (Doctor Radar) provides a fond and forgiving enough portrayal of the great filmmaker, capturing his public voice and dry humor, his lifelong obsession with fear and fright, and his love of cinema as both escapism and inspiration. His films from 1922’s unfinished Number Thirteen to his final, Family Plot, are detailed, with classics such as Psycho and The Birds given ample attention. But his relationship with his wife, Alma, forms the heart of the personal story, as well as illuminates his faults, such as when his self-obsession during the birth of their first child overwhelms his concern for Alma. Peppered throughout are splendid anecdotes, such as “Hitch” giving Peter Lorre a replacement for a ruined suit, but in a child’s size because of Lorre’s tantrum. The narrative suffers, however, from a grinding pace, and art by Hé, while serviceable caricature, presents too often as a series of talking heads in company meetings and table talk (though the detailed architecture and period dress are nice touches). Diehard Hitchcock followers should find the tidbits fascinating, but anyone less passionate need not apply. (Mar.)