Hitchcock biopic to enter Oscar race

The forthcoming Alfred Hitchcock biopic 'Hitchcock' has revealed both its new poster and its plans to enter the Oscar race.

The poster shows in more detail the uncanny transformation of Anthony Hopkins into the feted film director.

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Meanwhile, Fox Searchlight, the studio which is releasing the film, has set a US release date of November 23 for the film, making it eligible for the Oscars in 2013.

With biopics historically proving to be Oscar-bait, the studio is making something of a statement about its new project, which features an impressive ensemble cast.

Joining Hopkins on the bill are Helen Mirren as his wife Alma, Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, James D'Arcy as Anthony Perkins and Jessica Biel as Vera Miles, alongside Danny Huston, Toni Collette, Michael Stahlbarg and Ralph Macchio.

The plot follows the making of Hitchcock's benchmark thriller 'Psycho' in 1960, and explores the director's relationship with his wife Alma.

It's the first full dramatic feature from Sacha Gervasi, who helmed the celebrated rockumentary 'Anvil: The Story of Anvil'.

According to reports, the film has screened extremely well to test audiences in the US, and with the pedigree of its cast and Oscar judge-enticing subject matter, it could prove itself a contender.

It's also thought that Mirren's performance could slip easily into a so-far uncrowded Best Actress category.