Review of Frenzy (1972) by A F — 05 Jul 2008

Consider this one Hitch at his most pornographic. Boobs and bad language that was Hitchcock's own ushering in of the 70's and "modern" film, post-Peckinpah and "Bonnie and Clyde". But then again what's more essentially British than the lace curtain set gossiping about the latest "sex murderers"?

Neither as suspenseful nor witty as Hitchcock in his prime, some scenes seemed more derived from the 3 Stooges than the classic dry wit or wink and nod at the camera that we come to expect and love from Hitchcock. Rather than a step forward, Frenzy seems more of a wallowing in mud of explicit imagery that newly relaxed censorship standards brought about. We'd have to wait before someone could take these new standards and deploy them for cerebral thrills and humor.

There are some classically misogynistic quips, funniest for their sheer inappropriateness and reflection on the times as they were, rather than the intended joke. A worthwhile viewing for Hitchcock fans. We get to see the later phase in our hero-director's career. Also just an interesting time capsule showing the transition between post-war vs. "modern" London.

All in all, if you have a chance to see it, it's entertaining. And if you don't, you're not missing out terribly.