Review of Rope (1948) by Maineutral R — 01 Jul 2014

While not doing puns over death thematics, Rope also becomes an absorbing movie experience that masterfully manages the thrills and tension it wants to share. Also taking the role of an experimental film, this is a unique Hitchcock film and a unique film overall, by making the movie act as a play.

There's a huge attention to detail here rarely seen in movies today. Last year's Gravity had a great tracking shot that lasted more than 10 minutes at the beginning and some other long shots here and there; well, Rope is mostly and essentially one long tracking shot. The camera cuts to another angle at times, but quickly gets back into the long shots, thus creating a really in-depth experience, making us feel we are really there. Also, the cuts are only when really necessary, another great technique from Hitchcock, who knew about timing. Running only some mere 80 minutes, this film is an easy-going, assuring its re-watching value and giving you more opportunities to admire it.

Technically low on sight, the film is nevertheless huge outside of the camera. Moving the set during the shots surely wasn't easy, and at the end you can't help but admire it. The background subtly changes from broad daylight to night and even the clouds move! Too sad it wasn't a big hit back then, cause it surely deserved to be it. Rope delivers exactly how Hitchcock intended it, therefore remarking himself once more as one of cinema's great directors.