Review of Strangers on a Train (1951) by Ivan D — 06 Apr 2010
One of the best examples of a perfect suspense film, but then again, who would not expect such a product from its master. This film is not made to extract unforgettable performances(though the Bruno character was memorable), nor boast top stars, but it was purely made to be a thrill-ride of a film up until the very end.
The key thing of the film's effectiveness was the genuine moments of silent tension, particularly the scene where Bruno was standing on the steps of a Washington building, spying on an unsuspecting Guy Haines.
And though the film is pure, suspenseful entertainment, Hitchcock delved a little on psychological commentary too, specifically the sequence of Bruno exploiting the repressed violent ideas of two seemingly ordinary bourgeois.
Hitchcock once stated that he enjoys playing the audience like a piano, well, that speaks absolute truth in this great, great film.
This review of Strangers on a Train (1951) was written by Ivan D on 06 Apr 2010.
Strangers on a Train has generally received very positive reviews.
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