Review of Rope (1948) by Nikhil M — 24 Oct 2012
Based on the Leopold and Loeb case and the ideas of Nietzsche, this film centres on a professor's theory that the 'intellectually superior' in society are beyond 'good and evil,' and his former students who decide to enact the 'perfect murder' of their friend from his influence.
Based on a play, and filmed as if on the stage, this film has a very unique feel to it and is quite unlike any other Hitchcock film I've seen. The dialogue is superb, with great witticisms that feel like a modern take on Oscar Wilde play (to a lesser extent). The subject matter is a strange and intriguing one, but the main characters didn't really convince me enough to pull it off completely. James Stewart is great as always, but plays a character that is very different to what I'm used to, and is actually quite a complex and flawed one, rather than the inspirational 'every man' he is known for playing.
Overall, an interesting Hitchcock film that is well worth repeat viewings, although on first viewing I've not completely made my mind up about it.
This review of Rope (1948) was written by Nikhil M on 24 Oct 2012.
Rope has generally received very positive reviews.
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