Review of Rope (1948) by Nolan B — 21 Jul 2011

One of Hitchcock's worst. Granted, this is due to nothing under his control. His experimental play-like camera work was perfect, but the ideas presented in this film are little more than a rehashing of the ideas in Crime and Punishment - which is momentarily mentioned in passing within the film's dialogue. However, they don't expand on the ideas but simply state them, question them as Dostoevsky does, and hastily provide an answer. This answer is essentially a main point without any supporting details, a conclusion without any presentation of an argument. Patrick Hamilton presents the idea that murder is a privilege for superior individuals, dislikes the idea, and foolishly provides an alternative viewpoint, without any philosophical or intellectual defense. Not to say I disagree with the latter viewpoint, but it shouldn't be so hastily delivered.

That said, Hitchcock did all he could to make this movie one of his usual masterpiece, and the production value under his control is as respectable as any. Ultimately, the problem is the film was only 80 minutes; it could have done with a five minute defense of it ideals. Still, with Hitchcock's unmistakable hand involved, I can't in good conscience give this film a rotten review.