Published in 1966, Hitchcock by Francois Truffaut was the first book to take a title-by-title approach to exploring a director’s career. It also made it cool to like Alfred Hitchcock. A Hollywood master and an internationally acclaimed Parisian newcomer couldn’t have been more diverse, but Hitch, instantly sensing a fellow brother in cinematic arms, quickly consented to the request. Truffaut put as much time into preparing for the interview as he would making a movie, and Hitch returned the adoration by giving his protege and all-access pass to his artistry. Not even the Master himself could have found a way to make listening to audio tapes visually interesting, and director Kent Jones wisely avoids endless conversations set to still photographs, choosing instead to teach by example — juxtaposing the director’s verbal theories with their visual counterparts. Jones solicits the help of Martin Scorsese, Paul Schrader, Peter Bogdanovich, David Fincher, and several other heavyweight auteurs all of whom share vivid recollections of how the book impacted their individual careers. (2015) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.