HBO to Debut Documentary HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT This August

In 1962, French New Wave auteur François Truffaut spent a week in Hollywood with his idol, Alfred Hitchcock, discussing the director's rich and extensive body of work, including "Psycho" and "Vertigo." The resulting 1966 book of interviews, "Hitchcock," became a celebrated bible of cinema for generations of filmmakers.

Fifty years after its publication, in the same month as Hitchcock's birthday (Aug. 13), HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT brings this historic summit to life when it debuts MONDAY, AUG. 8 (9:00-10:20 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Other HBO playdates: Aug. 11 (4:30 p.m.), 13 (1:45 p.m.), 18 (3:00 p.m.,12:30 a.m.), 24 (11:30 a.m.) and 30 (1:30 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Aug. 10 (11:30 p.m.), 15 (1:45 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 21 (12:30 p.m.) and 29 (4:00 a.m.)

The documentary will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

Combining rare original audio recordings and behind-the-scenes-photos from the historic exchange, HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT is an eye-opening study of Hitchcock's enduring genius and legacy, as the two explore the technical, narrative and aesthetic questions at the heart of his work. The documentary also includes new observations from such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Olivier Assayas, Peter Bogdanovich, David Fincher, Richard Linklater, Martin Scorsese and Paul Schrader. Bob Balaban narrates.

Though now considered one of the greatest directors of the 20th century, Alfred Hitchcock was seen at the time by the American press as little more than a popular entertainer, a mere "master of suspense." In 1962, French New Wave critic-turned-filmmaker François Truffaut set out to alter that common perception. He made a proposal to the 63-year-old Hitchcock: a book based on a series of conversations that would cover the director's entire career, title by title. Aided by translator Helen Scott, the two met in Hollywood for an eight-day interview that served as the basis for Truffaut's 1966 book "Hitchcock," which remains a touchstone for generations of filmmakers throughout the world.

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT is directed by Kent Jones; written by Kent Jones and Serge Toubiana; co-produced and edited by Rachel Reichman; produced by Charles S. Cohen and Olivier Mille; associate producers, John Kochman and Daniel Battsek.

To post a comment, you must register and login.