Review of Rope (1948) by Michael D — 17 Mar 2009

Without a doubt one of my favorite Hitchcock films. All of the technical aspects are covered expertly but that must be taken as a given with Hitchcock. What sets this film apart is the philosophy that's exposed and implied at every turn.

Aestheticism and romanticism leading to atrocities is there on the surface. But underneath are some serious Straussian currents of revelation vs concealment. Stewart tells the truth because he believes in the importance of truth (good, right?) but his careless philosophically defensible musings were translated into horrible crimes.

So is speaking the truth good, or isn't it? And how much did his musings really affect the killers anyway? And what of Hitchcock himself, what does or doesn't he reveal to us the viewers? The issues raised by this film are unique in Hitchcock's canon.

Though you can get enough out of this film just in terms of thrills, acting, suspense, dialogue, technical feats (practically cinema verite)--the real beauty of this film is hidden beneath the surface.