As a big Alfred Hitchcock fan, I was very happy to finally be able to see this movie. For whatever reason, I have always, ALWAYS managed to miss this classic. I have carefully avoided any spoilers and would not even read trivia about it. The only...
- 24.March.2010
- |
- by: magnoliasouth
- magnoliasouth rated this movie
 8/10Great
As a big Alfred Hitchcock fan, I was very happy to finally be able to see this movie. For whatever reason, I have always, ALWAYS managed to miss this classic. I have carefully avoided any spoilers and would not even read trivia about it. The only thing I knew is the very basic "met on a train" plot.
The direction is, not surprisingly, superb. The cinematography is amazing and Robert Walker shines as the psychopathic killer.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Bewitched's Aunt Clara playing basically the same part in this movie. What a thrill as Bewitched is one of my absolute favorite films, but I digress.
The film itself is just brilliant and there is no reason to provide a synoptic review here because anyone can get that anywhere. I just want to say that the black and white contrast, the shadows, the camera shots are all so creative. The famous camera angle on the glasses (which I happily knew nothing about) was a fun change.
Now about the commentary. Most of it was interesting, but the droning on about the book (by the Brit guy) was a serious annoyance. I'm watching the film. I want to know about the film, NOT the book. His obsession with the author is overdone and the commentary would have been so much better without him.
On the flip side, there are interview clips of Hitchcock himself as well as a slew of others related to the film. I suppose having to listen to 'super book fan guy' in order to hear the others makes it a little more bearable.
- 24.March.2010
- |
- by: magnoliasouth
What did you think about this review?
Thank you for voting.
Abuse report sent
Report abuse
Close
|
Not a review of the "Special Edition" (don't know how it's different really) but of previous releases:
The problem with Hitchcock is that he has been so lionized, that critics thumbs-up everything he's done, and lets face it, even Hitch himself...
- 16.February.2010
- |
- by: etragedy
- etragedy rated this movie0/10
Not a review of the "Special Edition" (don't know how it's different really) but of previous releases:
The problem with Hitchcock is that he has been so lionized, that critics thumbs-up everything he's done, and lets face it, even Hitch himself recognized that some of his films (particularly from the early part of his career) tended to be a bit loose, and drag even - one of the reasons behind the remake of 'The Man Who Knew Too Much.'
But, that certainly isn't the case with 'Strangers on a Train'. This is easily one of the best films Hitchcock ever made. Never a dull moment, this thriller races along like... well, a speeding train. That's not to say that there isn't a lot of suspense. From the moment the protagonist, Guy Haines, meets the antagonist, Bruno Anthony, one of the cinema's most memorable villains, we know we're in for a tense ride. There's just something indescribably creepy about Bruno, as played by Robert Walker. A big chunk of the credit also needs to go to the writers, particularly Patricia Highsmith, one of America's greatest crime novelists, and those who adapted it (including Raymond Chandler).
Other things worth checking out here include Hitch's requisite cameo (blink and you'll miss it), and Alfred's daughter Patricia Hitchcock as a crime-obsessed young lady.
Both the American and British versions are good, the American version is shorter, but contains an extra scene at the end. The British version is longer, and gives more insight into the characters during their initial meeting. Between the two, I recommend the British version - not for content reasons, but because it is better preserved and makes for a cleaner transfer to DVD.
- 16.February.2010
- |
- by: etragedy
What did you think about this review?
Thank you for voting.
Abuse report sent
Report abuse
Close
|
I was so relieved that there was great audio on this disc. The last "old Hitchcock movie" I rented had such bad audio that it was unwatchable.
This movie was great. I really enjoyed it. It has some of the obvious Hitchcock style, but is also early...
- 12.October.2009
- |
- by: Dan
- Dan rated this movie0/10
I was so relieved that there was great audio on this disc. The last "old Hitchcock movie" I rented had such bad audio that it was unwatchable.
This movie was great. I really enjoyed it. It has some of the obvious Hitchcock style, but is also early enough to be different than those movies that are more widely known (THE BIRDS, PSYCHO, NORTH BY NORTHWEST).
- 12.October.2009
- |
- by: Dan
What did you think about this review?
Thank you for voting.
Abuse report sent
Report abuse
Close
|
A textbook Hitchcock thrillfest. The set-up is fully belieavable, with marvelous characterization and some of the best acting of any Hitch suspense film. And then when we really get rolling, hold on to your hats! The action comes fast and furious...
- 20.March.2009
- |
- by: sethdellinger
- sethdellinger rated this movie0/10
A textbook Hitchcock thrillfest. The set-up is fully belieavable, with marvelous characterization and some of the best acting of any Hitch suspense film. And then when we really get rolling, hold on to your hats! The action comes fast and furious and Hitch spares no tricks (speeding up the film, slowing down the film, quick bursts of editing, slow pulls) to subliminally make our hearts beat faster. Even someone not at all concerned about Hitchcock or film history should love this one!
- 20.March.2009
- |
- by: sethdellinger
What did you think about this review?
Thank you for voting.
Abuse report sent
Report abuse
Close
|
Strangers on a train
Another great Hitchcock murder thriller. No one does suspense like Hitchcock, and 'Strangers on a Train' is a fine example of his craft. Robert Walker, who plays the the clever, yet demented Bruno, delivers a memorable performance and is one of the...
- 24.January.2009
- |
- by: Alex Stajos
- Alex Stajos rated this movie8/10Great
Strangers on a train
Another great Hitchcock murder thriller. No one does suspense like Hitchcock, and 'Strangers on a Train' is a fine example of his craft. Robert Walker, who plays the the clever, yet demented Bruno, delivers a memorable performance and is one of the highlights on this film. This is a must see for any Hitchcock or suspense film fan.
- 24.January.2009
- |
- by: Alex Stajos
What did you think about this review?
Thank you for voting.
Abuse report sent
Report abuse
Close
|
Mood:
Plot:
Genres:
Time/Period:
Place:
Praise:
Based on:
Attitudes:
Look:
Flag:
Does this gene fit Strangers on a Train?
