Review of I Confess (1953) by Ross M — 20 Oct 2010

Close to a 4.5 rating, based on certain flaws, I have still given this 5 for the added enjoyment bonus, which you must always consider and which Hitchcock never fails to deliver. The editing is lazy, it isn't one of Hitchcock's best directed in terms of aesthetics, although he doesn't fail in presenting some excellent symbolism and the score is nothing special, perhaps because Herrmann was not on board. However, this film has almost everything a classic should:

A notable Hollywood cast.

A murder.

Melodrama.

Courtroom scenes (not a Hollywood necessity but it works here).

Suspense.

Murder.

Flashbacks.

Fantastic locations.

Costumes.

Great screenplay.

And of course, a grand climax.

Clift is subtle in the lead role, Baxter is restrained and is not overtly melodramtic as was often the case with leading women of the time, Malden is as usual brilliant and O.E Hasse turns in an admirable performance as the antagonist, one of the most ambiguous of Hitchcock's villains, remaining both likeable and hateable in equal measure. The rest of the cast are all wonderful editions an no one tries to out-act each other.

Honestly, I was gripped by the usual Hitchcock mastery and even though it is a flawed thriller, the solid screenplay, with wit and dry humour that Hitchcock clearly excells in filming, it doesn't go far wrong.