Review of I Confess (1953) by Mike T — 27 Apr 2009

A minor Hitchcock and probably underrated. There's an intensity to the film that pervades its whole running time because you know exactly what happened in the beginning. Your frustration builds throughout the film.

And when the ending comes, there is a satisfaction, knowing Clift's character didn't give away anything. There is no big twist to add to the suspense of the film like most Hitchcocks, it is the great writing, the pure art of the storytelling, that is the suspense of this film.

Clift and Malden are intense and riveting with their characters. (If only Clift had had more time to prove the greatness he showed.) The supporting cast, including Anne Baxter, adds wonders to the minimal story and great black and white cinematography (a host of dutch angles included) and a heated musical score adds to the film's feel.