Review of Saboteur (1942) by Sheep O — 20 Jun 2006

These films are the best of the non-masterpiece masterpieces. That is to say, they are Hitchcock's best films outside of his peak period, between Rear Window and The Birds.

[b]Frenzy[/b] is Hitchcock's most violent film, in which he pushed the boundries of Cinema. It consider's one of his favorite topics, a wrongly accused man, while remaining innovative and shocking. It is, as someone put it, a young mans film in its experimentalism, despite being his second to last. It is superb.

[b]Saboteur[/b] is, I think, Hitchcocks best early picture. It transcends the inherent corniness that usually plagues older films of the 40s and before, as seen by modern audiences. Perhaps the sharpness of dialog can be attributed to Dorothy Parkers work on the screenplay. At any rate, film is excellent, the acting wonderful, and the script remarkably sophisticated.

[b]Spellbound[/b] is another fantastic Hitchcock picture. The chemistry between Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman is palpable, the plot intriguing. Hitchcock's fondness for symbolism is featured. It is an exciting movie.

[b]Strangers on a Train[/b]. I'll be honest. It has been a while since I saw this movie. The lasting impression has been favorable, however. It is one of Hitchcock's most intriguing stories, featuring his favorite topic: murder. While my memory of this film is not as vivid, the story has certainly stuck in my mind. It is one to see.