Review of Strangers on a Train (1951) by Gabriel C — 23 Apr 2009
The characters in Hitchcock's films don't exist in the reality that we know. They function in an alternate universe, where common sense is frowned upon and everybody works together to be plot-devices for Hitchcock to set up his sequences of suspense. To enjoy his films, you need to suspend your disbelief so far that you'll start thinking the film you're watching is some kind of intelligent and well thought-out work.
I can't do that, so I don't think this film (and most of Hitchcock's) are well thought-out. He presents you with an interesting idea, and instead of analyzing what pitfalls and illogical plot holes he should avoid, he goes ahead with it and ignores all the irrationalities so that he can get to the next suspenseful scene.
Why doesn't Guy call the police in the first place? Why does Bruno befriend Guy's family? Doesn't that completely negate the "no-ties" murder idea in the first place? How the hell does a Merry-go-round spin so fast? There are no answers to these questions, because Hitchcock conveniently ignored them. Towards the end of the film, I was laughing so hard. It's a comedy.
This review of Strangers on a Train (1951) was written by Gabriel C on 23 Apr 2009.
Strangers on a Train has generally received very positive reviews.
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