Hitchcock was the writer, assistant director, editor and production designer on the drama, which starred Clive Brook and Betty Compson.

BBC: Rare Alfred Hitchcock film footage uncovered

It's easy to believe, given the difficulties of making any movie that's halfway decent, let alone a labor of love. (The filmmaker also refused to make it without Ron Perlman, despite pressures to cast a more bankable star.) Among Mr. del Toro's colleagues in this elegant enterprise are the production designer Stephen Scott and the editor Peter Amundson.

WSJ: Entertainment Is 'Hellboy'

As a filmmaker working on a large canvas in a quasidocumentary style, Mr. Affleck rises to one challenge after another with a sure touch. (And with the help of such collaborators as the cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, the production designer Sharon Seymour, the editor William Goldenberg, and Alexandre Desplat, who did the original score.) Tony's crash program to teach his six frightened charges their assigned roles feels convincing and fresh.

WSJ: 'Argo,' on Fake Film, Is Real Sensation | Film Review by Joe Morgenstern