Helen Mirren sits down with us, the confident grace she’s known for, yet there’s a lively twinkle in her eye that hints at the playful side audiences have glimpsed in her more mischievous roles. When asked about taking on the role of Alma Reville, wife and creative partner to Alfred Hitchcock in the film Hitchcock, she admits it was both thrilling and daunting. She explains that Alma was more than just the supportive spouse: she was an editor, a writer, and the first person Hitchcock turned to for advice. Mirren’s research revealed that, although her husband was the famous figure, Alma played a crucial role in shaping his career and films—her sharp mind and unwavering insight were essential from the earliest drafts of a script to the final cut.
Mirren recounts devouring every available piece of information on Alma, from anecdotes to any archival material she could find, though there was far less of it than for Hitchcock. Still, she pieced together a picture of a woman who was as tough as she was witty, someone who kept the legendary director grounded and wasn’t afraid to challenge him. The film focuses on the making of Psycho, a period Mirren believes truly showcases Alma’s influence. Not only did Alma manage rewrites and tackle financial issues to keep the production afloat, she also brought an editor’s eye to the project—something Mirren says was essential to the final result.
She reflects on the marriage between Alma and Alfred as both personal and professional. While there were disagreements and frustrations, Mirren stresses that it was built on mutual respect. Alma was not a figure to be overshadowed; she was a genuine partner, and Mirren was determined to convey that on screen. Working with Sir Anthony Hopkins, she says, brought an added layer of excitement. He was generous and collaborative, allowing them to explore every dimension of the couple’s complex bond: the warmth, the tension, the exasperation, and the deep fondness that kept them together.
Mirren emphasizes how important it was not to reduce Alma to a footnote in Hitchcock’s story. She was a powerhouse, albeit one who operated quietly behind the scenes. This notion resonates with Mirren’s view that film is a collective effort—too often, credit is given only to the most visible talents, while those working behind the camera or at the editing desk go unrecognized. Portraying Alma was, in Mirren’s words, an honor that required capturing both her no-nonsense practicality and her creative spark.
She hopes that audiences will leave the theater with a newfound appreciation for Alma’s contributions. Without Alma, Mirren insists, Hitchcock might never have become the master of suspense we celebrate today. The actress also admits it was refreshing to play a role where power is exercised subtly and from the sidelines. She sees Alma as the bedrock of Hitchcock’s world, someone who never courted fame but shaped cinematic history nonetheless.
As she reflects on her own career, Mirren smiles at the thought of how Hitchcock adds another layer to her body of work. She has portrayed powerful monarchs and iconic figures, but Alma’s power is different—unflashy yet deeply influential. Ultimately, Mirren wants people to understand that behind the legend of Alfred Hitchcock stood a brilliant and dedicated woman, quietly ensuring his visions came to life. Bringing Alma Reville to the screen, she says, feels like a fitting tribute to someone who was, in many ways, the unsung architect of some of cinema’s greatest moments.
