To play the role of psychological thriller pioneer Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Anthony Hopkins transformed his physical appearance to embody the portly silhouette of Britain's greatest filmmaker.

In the first trailer for Anvil! The Story of Anvil director Sacha Gervasi's Hitchcock, Hopkins' hard work is given motion, and his behind-the-scenes portrayal of the legendary moviemaker comes to life.

The film, which also stars Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Kurtwood Smith, is set to hit theaters November 23rd.

A very brief synopsis follows, courtesy of Collider:

HITCHCOCK is a love story about one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife and partner Alma Reville. The film takes place during the making of Hitchcock's seminal movie PSYCHO.

[video via JoBlo]