Best Direction Ever
I don't know if I have ever heard the phrase "epic thriller" before,
but this comes to mind. Although there are longer Hitchcocks, this has the highest thrills to length ratio aside from North by Northwest. Although this movie is relatively unknown, the windmill scene is a fairly well known bit. No small wonder, as it has moments that are iconic of Hitchcock's suspense, and shifting lighting patterns that add an ominous effect. A much used technique, as repetitive motions or sounds in film punctuate the scene with a sense that something is watching, or nature is playing a part. There are many other great scenes, but I will spare those who haven't seen it of losing part of the incredible suspense. However, with a thriller this excellent, there must be more than thrills and direction to complete the film. For one matter, there is acting. Although the leading roles require more than is always present, you never feel like there is any bad acting. To bring acting of absolute perfection into play, there is Albert Bassermann, as Van Meer. As he changes topic in mid sentence, rambling with a scratchy voice, coughing, and retching. Although he learned his lines phonetically, he somehow knows exactly when to change tone, or when to put a gleam of defiance into his eyes. As another matter, there is cinematography and lighting that corresponds perfectly with the suspense. The shots will contrast each other, but without being too obvious, and the shot patterns of certain scenes are very similar to North by Northwest. Finally, it has a compelling story backed by a fine screenplay, with dramatic lines that still avoid being clunky. This is the rare treasure of a film that is enjoyable, and also great.. 
Joel McCrea having fun with windmills
I never expected to see windmills in a Hitchcock film. In this film,
there is a wonderful ride with Joel McCrea in a windmill. I liked Foreign Correspondent first time I watched it. But now, I love the film. I thought Joel McCrea was brilliant. Joel McCrea wanted to work with Hitchcock again after Foreign Correspondent. He was one of Hitchcock's choices for leading role in Saboteur (1942). But McCrea was unavailable. Its great to see George Sanders playing a different role. He played Scott "ffolliott." Laraine Day and Herbert Marshall were great too. My request is watch a Hitchcock film at least twice. There are some touching scenes in the film. There is a scene Joel McCrea (Johnny Jones) asks Van Meer about possibilities of a war right after they get out of taxi. Van Meer replies "My boy, I feel very old and sad. And helpless." I found that scene very touching. Herbert Marshall plays a likable villain. There is another touching scene. When Herbert Marshall (Fisher) comes into the room, he sees Krug's men forcing Poor Old Van Meer to tell "Clause 27" by using Music with High Sound and Very Bright Lights. And we see "Tears in Herbert Marshall's eyes." We also see the painful reaction of George Sanders (Scott ffolliott) and the lady, when Krug's men forces Van Meer to tell "Clause 27." I felt like I was watching "A Horrible War" in front of my eyes. Plane Crash Scene is brilliant. I don't know how Hitchcock directed this Plane Crash Scene. But it was brilliant. I thought Final Scene with Joel McCrea and Laraine Day was touching. I am sure Hitchcock fans will like this film. My request is watch this Hitchcock film twice. There are symbolisms in this Hitchcock film too. I collected these informations from many Hitchcock fans. So the credits go to them. We see Joel McCrea losing 3 hats in this film. Laraine Day (Carol) asks Joel McCrea in the Hotel Europe "Don't you think you been talking through your hat?" In the top of Cathedral, a boy loses his hat. This happens when Edmund Gwenn (Roley) raises the boy to see the view from the cathedral. There are more symbolisms. But it will be a very long post. Great Performances, Great Screenplay, and Brilliant Direction from Master of Suspense. I rate the film 10 out of 10.. |
Trailers: |
