North by Northwest
3.5/4
Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Martin Landau
Not Rated (contains Some Violence and Sexual Material, although it's not really inappropriate for anyone)
Alfred Hitchcock was known as the Master of Suspense, and this is why. With an intriguing premise and an unpredictable storyline, "North by Northwest" is one of Hitch's best films.
Roger Thornhill (Grant) is a high powered ad executive. He's always on the go, but is called away from a business meeting by a mysterious man. Confusion takes a darker turn when the man and his partner put a gun to his ribs and take him to an out of the way house. A mysterious man named Philip Vandamm (Mason) wants information from Roger, but Vandamm is convinced that this man is named George Kaplan. Needless to say, Roger is confused (not to mention irritated) and wants to leave, but Vandamm and his creepy assistant Leonard (Landau) aren't convinced. Roger is then pulled into a large conspiracy that he fights not only to get out of, but to figure out what exactly is going on.
One of Hitch's favorite plot devices was the wrongfully accused hero. If you think about it, it's really an ingenious plot device (when it's used effectively, of course). The hero is likely an everyman, and the same thing can happen to us. Both of these qualities allow us to relate to the character better.
Although Hitchcock used a number of movie stars in his films, he did play favorites. Cary Grant, like Jimmy Stewart, has been strongly linked to Hitchcock. The famous director used Grant in five of his movies over a span of 23 years. "North by Northwest" was their final film together, and arguably their most famous collaboration. It's not hard to see why: it's an excellent film with some terrific suspense and two scenes that have become classic suspense (the crop-dusting sequence and the climax on Mount Rushmore).
Grant is terrific in the role of Roger Thornhill. He's an ideal everyman, as is required for the role. He's tough, and surprisingly smart. The villains don't give him enough credit for his intelligence, and that puts them into some uncompromising positions. Interestingly enough, he takes many of his predicaments with a sense of humor rather than freaking out or ranting and raving like many characters in his position have. He's also got an unusual motivation: curiosity. He could really care less if the Vandamm and Leonard get away, or even what their plan is. All he wants is his life back. And to save the girl.
The girl, a femme fatale named Eve Kendall (Saint) is someone who is surprisingly helpful, especially since Thornhill is accused of some rather unsavory things. But is she as helpful as she seems, or does she have ulterior motives? Saint is okay, but there are times when she's stiff, and is always overshadowed by Grant. One could make the argument that she's miscast.
The villains are deliciously evil. James Mason speaks with a silky British accent, making him seem egotistic and easy to hate. But far creepier is Leonard, played by Martin Landau (in his film debut). Leonard doesn't say much, but he just looks evil. His eyes are shiny and his brow is always furrowed; even looking at him makes the blood run cold.
Hitchcock has crafted an outstanding suspense tale, but unfortunately the romance subplot doesn't work. It's poorly motivated and there's no chemistry between Grant and Saint. That being said, if you want to see a classic tale of intrigue and suspense, this is one that you gotta see.
Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Martin Landau
Not Rated (contains Some Violence and Sexual Material, although it's not really inappropriate for anyone)
Alfred Hitchcock was known as the Master of Suspense, and this is why. With an intriguing premise and an unpredictable storyline, "North by Northwest" is one of Hitch's best films.
Roger Thornhill (Grant) is a high powered ad executive. He's always on the go, but is called away from a business meeting by a mysterious man. Confusion takes a darker turn when the man and his partner put a gun to his ribs and take him to an out of the way house. A mysterious man named Philip Vandamm (Mason) wants information from Roger, but Vandamm is convinced that this man is named George Kaplan. Needless to say, Roger is confused (not to mention irritated) and wants to leave, but Vandamm and his creepy assistant Leonard (Landau) aren't convinced. Roger is then pulled into a large conspiracy that he fights not only to get out of, but to figure out what exactly is going on.
One of Hitch's favorite plot devices was the wrongfully accused hero. If you think about it, it's really an ingenious plot device (when it's used effectively, of course). The hero is likely an everyman, and the same thing can happen to us. Both of these qualities allow us to relate to the character better.
Although Hitchcock used a number of movie stars in his films, he did play favorites. Cary Grant, like Jimmy Stewart, has been strongly linked to Hitchcock. The famous director used Grant in five of his movies over a span of 23 years. "North by Northwest" was their final film together, and arguably their most famous collaboration. It's not hard to see why: it's an excellent film with some terrific suspense and two scenes that have become classic suspense (the crop-dusting sequence and the climax on Mount Rushmore).
Grant is terrific in the role of Roger Thornhill. He's an ideal everyman, as is required for the role. He's tough, and surprisingly smart. The villains don't give him enough credit for his intelligence, and that puts them into some uncompromising positions. Interestingly enough, he takes many of his predicaments with a sense of humor rather than freaking out or ranting and raving like many characters in his position have. He's also got an unusual motivation: curiosity. He could really care less if the Vandamm and Leonard get away, or even what their plan is. All he wants is his life back. And to save the girl.
The girl, a femme fatale named Eve Kendall (Saint) is someone who is surprisingly helpful, especially since Thornhill is accused of some rather unsavory things. But is she as helpful as she seems, or does she have ulterior motives? Saint is okay, but there are times when she's stiff, and is always overshadowed by Grant. One could make the argument that she's miscast.
The villains are deliciously evil. James Mason speaks with a silky British accent, making him seem egotistic and easy to hate. But far creepier is Leonard, played by Martin Landau (in his film debut). Leonard doesn't say much, but he just looks evil. His eyes are shiny and his brow is always furrowed; even looking at him makes the blood run cold.
Hitchcock has crafted an outstanding suspense tale, but unfortunately the romance subplot doesn't work. It's poorly motivated and there's no chemistry between Grant and Saint. That being said, if you want to see a classic tale of intrigue and suspense, this is one that you gotta see.
Martin Landau's skinny tie and grey demeanour made this movie.
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