Review of Torn Curtain (1966) by Luke P — 15 Mar 2008
Mired in on-set problems, Hitch's fiftieth film does not rank as one of his best. Torn Curtain is of course the film where Hitchcock had his infamous falling out with his long term collaborator, composer Bernard Herrman.
He also had problems with his two major stars, Paul Newman and Julie Christie. Hitch didn't want Christie for the lead role, but she was hot at the time and so was forced upon him by the studio. Paul Newman was Hitch's choice but they too clashed, with Newman proving opinionated about the quality of the script.
This on-set bad blood shows in the quality of the performances While by no means bad performances, Newman and Christie give slightly charisma-free performances and display little chemistry together. Even an off-colour Hitchcock is better than most other directors though, and there is much to admire about Torn Curtain, particularly the quite brutal murder scene involving a German and a gas oven (irony!).
However, the film comes across as too bland, when it should be exciting. Not Hitch's best by a country mile, but still watchable.
This review of Torn Curtain (1966) was written by Luke P on 15 Mar 2008.
Torn Curtain has generally received positive reviews.
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