1972
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
It is nice to see a familiar face in the seventies even though, unfortunately, this is the last Hitchcock film in The Book. I wish it was a better send off, but this is one of my least favorite Hitchcock movies.
A serial killer is raping and murdering women in London with horrifically ugly neckties. Suspicion falls on Richard Blaney, but when is the accused ever guilty in a Hitchcock movie?
Frequent readers of my blog know that I can't stand rape in films. Still, I can't deny that it is is a compelling movie. A lot of the redeeming qualities of this movie can be found in the last scene, which I can't reveal without major spoilers. I will say the male leads are incredible.
Parts of this film were needlessly disturbing, like when a woman's fingers are broken after rigor mortis sets in.
Not very Hitchcockian but still worthy of a watch.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Only Hitchcock film to get a R rating.
HITCHCOCK RADAR: In the crowd at the beginning of the film.
Yes, there are several much better Hitchcock's that could have gone in without this. I guess they thought they needed a 'late period' one to balance the classics.. but.. Hohum.. it's not that bad.
ReplyDeleteSolid film, but the Master of Suspense did better.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I think we are probably too hard on him since we expect so much.
DeleteI think you are a lot nicer to it than I was. The R-rating did not add anything to it and the police work is incredibly sloppy. Rarely has a murderer been advertising his presence as clearly as here.
ReplyDelete