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RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 15/10/2011 4:35:21 PM

Herr Schnitzel

Posts: 205
Joined: 1/2/2009

When I was 12 I got the Hitchcock book by Truffaut for Christmas, because my dad knew that I was a bit of a film nut even then. It was the first time I realised what film director actually did. I decided that I was going to see every Hitchcock film I could see and apart from most of the silent films and a small number of the early sound film (Waltzes from Vienna). My favourite film still is Vertigo, though I saw that relatively late because it was out of circulation when I got into Hitchcock in the 70s (I finally saw it at a secret screening at the Munich Film Museum a few years before its official re-release). Hitchcock still is my favourite director. I like the modernism of his films, the mixture of cool and passion and I love the artifice that many of his detractors have complained about.

(in reply to sanchia)

Post #: 151

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 17/10/2011 2:46:16 PM

Discodez

Posts: 777
Joined: 2/9/2010

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dr Lenera

Frenzy's kind of odd, it has some brilliant scenes [the murder, the potato truck scene etc.] but a great deal of it feels very pedestrian and almost unneccessary imo. The rape/murder is quite horrible but I don't understand the fuss about Hitchcock getting into 70s sex and violence, apart from the killing there's not much of it and way back to the 40s [and maybe beyond?] his films often pushed boundaries. The director does feel a little awkward depicting a more permissive environment though. Interesting use of a somewhat unglamorous cast and slightly dislikeable hero [unlike say Vertigo where at least the hero was likeable at first!].

I remember seeing in a documentary a couple of years back about an unfinished film that Hitch was going set in New York about a serial killer/rapist, from an original screenplay, the film was to be told from the killers perspective.

It was to be very explicit comapred to his other films (although having said that, The Birds and Psycho were very gory and explicit for their time). The working title was Kaliedescope/Frenzy and he even went as far as doing test shoots (stills from the test shoots I saw in that doc were full of nudity and gore) but it was eventually abandoned, I think even Hitch realised he might be going too far (for the times anyway) and he made Frenzy (based on a novel) in London instead.

But I bet you knew all that anyway

< Message edited by Discodez -- 17/10/2011 2:49:13 PM >

(in reply to Dr Lenera)

Post #: 152

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 29/11/2011 12:49:19 PM

JIm R

Posts: 9185
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Surrey

News of events on at BFI

http://www.bfi.org.uk/hitchcock/

(in reply to Discodez)

Post #: 153

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 17/3/2012 1:52:05 AM

talpacino

Posts: 3645
Joined: 15/11/2005
From: The Royal County

quote:

ORIGINAL: Edward Nygma

Watched The Paradine Case, was ok, nothing amazing really and pretty predictable. It looked great though and its good to see Peck learned how to act since Spellbound lol

Also saw To Catch a Thief, was fun. Why is Cary Grant so tanned? Whyyyyy?

I watched North By Northwest last night, he's unbelievably tanned in this as well that it's nearly off putting. Also what is up with the kiss with Eva Marie Saint? The awkward hands behind the head, it just looks so unnatural. Great film all the same.

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Post #: 154

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 17/3/2012 11:16:09 PM

Saltire

Posts: 1873
Joined: 5/7/2011
From: Dundee

quote:

ORIGINAL: talpacino

quote:

ORIGINAL: Edward Nygma

Watched The Paradine Case, was ok, nothing amazing really and pretty predictable. It looked great though and its good to see Peck learned how to act since Spellbound lol

Also saw To Catch a Thief, was fun. Why is Cary Grant so tanned? Whyyyyy?

I watched North By Northwest last night, he's unbelievably tanned in this as well that it's nearly off putting. Also what is up with the kiss with Eva Marie Saint? The awkward hands behind the head, it just looks so unnatural. Great film all the same.

One of the best films of the lot - Cary Grant whilst heavily tanned or otherwise was superb back in the day though and his collaborations with Hitchcock (much like James Stewart) really showed off his range as an actor.

(in reply to talpacino)

Post #: 155

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 18/3/2012 4:14:41 PM

talpacino

Posts: 3645
Joined: 15/11/2005
From: The Royal County

quote:

ORIGINAL: Saltire

quote:

ORIGINAL: talpacino

quote:

ORIGINAL: Edward Nygma

Watched The Paradine Case, was ok, nothing amazing really and pretty predictable. It looked great though and its good to see Peck learned how to act since Spellbound lol

Also saw To Catch a Thief, was fun. Why is Cary Grant so tanned? Whyyyyy?

I watched North By Northwest last night, he's unbelievably tanned in this as well that it's nearly off putting. Also what is up with the kiss with Eva Marie Saint? The awkward hands behind the head, it just looks so unnatural. Great film all the same.

One of the best films of the lot - Cary Grant whilst heavily tanned or otherwise was superb back in the day though and his collaborations with Hitchcock (much like James Stewart) really showed off his range as an actor.

Indeed it is great. Shamed to say I'd never seen it before. Nor Vertigo for that matter which is up next.

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Post #: 156

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 19/3/2012 4:09:02 PM

TheGodfather

Posts: 5125
Joined: 21/10/2005
From: Sin City

This afternoon I`ve the US blu-ray of To Catch A Thief. Looking forward to watching it. Grace Kelly in high def will be great!

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Post #: 157

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 25/5/2012 10:42:34 AM

TwistedAnimator

Posts: 24
Joined: 25/5/2012
From: Canterbury

I've only seen The Birds. Any of Hitchcock's films you'd recommend above all others?

(in reply to TheGodfather)

Post #: 158

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 25/5/2012 4:03:31 PM

Saltire

Posts: 1873
Joined: 5/7/2011
From: Dundee

quote:

ORIGINAL: TwistedAnimator

I've only seen The Birds. Any of Hitchcock's films you'd recommend above all others?

Watch as many as you can mate, but though I haven't seen them all, my favourite is Rear Window, followed by North by Northwest and The Man Who Knew Too Much (his 1956 version).

(in reply to TwistedAnimator)

Post #: 159

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 26/5/2012 10:01:30 AM

efc91

Posts: 254
Joined: 5/9/2008
From: Liverpool

I have seen the majority of his work. To a new comer I would suggest watching his most famous films like Vertigo, Rear Window, North by Northwest and Psycho. Then if you enjoy them explore his other films.

(in reply to Saltire)

Post #: 160

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 28/5/2012 9:10:10 PM

Whistler

Posts: 2346
Joined: 22/11/2006

quote:

ORIGINAL: Saltire

quote:

ORIGINAL: TwistedAnimator

I've only seen The Birds. Any of Hitchcock's films you'd recommend above all others?

Watch as many as you can mate, but though I haven't seen them all, my favourite is Rear Window, followed by North by Northwest and The Man Who Knew Too Much (his 1956 version).

Yeah, just watch all of them. North By Northwest, Psycho, Strangers On A Train, Vertigo and Rear Window are my favourites. Ironically, the only Hitchcock film I haven't really liked that much is The Birds. It's always listed as one of his best - if not his best - but I was strangely disappointed by it.

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Post #: 161

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 17/6/2012 6:55:01 PM

TheGodfather

Posts: 5125
Joined: 21/10/2005
From: Sin City

Watched today:

To Catch A Thief
Cary Grant is a former juwel thief living in France. For years he hasn`t stolen any diamants but when a thief becomes active who carries his way of working he`s the first one being accused of the stealings.
Onjustly, according to himself. And so he tries to prove his innocence.
Partly shot on location in the French riviera, this is a light and entertaining Hitchcock in wich the beautiful locations are put to great use. Grant gives a good performance as the thief and it`s always a great pleasure watching Grace Kelly, the most beautiful woman to ever walk the face of the earth, on screen, especially in this tight high definition image.
It`s especially a very nice film but it nowhere gets really intense or exciting.
Highly recommended.

8,0/10

Bring on Vertigo in hi-def!!!

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Post #: 162

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/6/2012 12:40:46 AM

Saltire

Posts: 1873
Joined: 5/7/2011
From: Dundee

^^ Good film, and your right about Grace Kelly, she was a stoater back in the day.

(in reply to TheGodfather)

Post #: 163

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/6/2012 2:40:43 AM

Spaldron

Posts: 10487
Joined: 6/10/2006
From: Chair

I watched Psycho for the first time in years not that long ago and as great as it is I found the second half dragged a little.

< Message edited by Spaldron -- 20/6/2012 2:41:13 AM >

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Post #: 164

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/6/2012 4:27:07 PM

Saltire

Posts: 1873
Joined: 5/7/2011
From: Dundee

quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron

I watched Psycho for the first time in years not that long ago and as great as it is I found the second half dragged a little.

Agreed and when he comes down wearing his mums old clothes is laughable now which spoils it a lot for me.

(in reply to Spaldron)

Post #: 165

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/6/2012 10:54:03 PM

TheGodfather

Posts: 5125
Joined: 21/10/2005
From: Sin City

Today I`ve received the Criterion blu-ray of The 39 Steps,and watched it right away:

The 39 Steps
This film from the English era of Hitchcock has a high entertainment value. It`s very clear that some of his later films find their origin here (among wich The Wrong Man and of course North By Northwest) in Hitch`s first commercial succes.
It`ll never become his best film, because it`s "a fun watch" but nothing more than that, but a "lesser" Hitchcock is still better than most of the other films that are put out there.

7,5/10

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Post #: 166

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/7/2012 1:02:27 AM

AmityBodega1977

Posts: 26
Joined: 13/3/2011

I don't think anyone has mentioned the fantastic 'making of' documentaries by Laurent Bouzereau included in the Hitchcock Collection DVD series. Truly brilliant, especially Rear Window and The Birds.

(in reply to Herr Schnitzel)

Post #: 167

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/7/2012 1:17:53 AM

AmityBodega1977

Posts: 26
Joined: 13/3/2011

I have North by Northwest and Psycho on Blu Ray and both are incredible transfers but I heard some negative reviews about The 39 Steps. I know it's a much older film but how would you rate it? Having already seen it.

(in reply to TheGodfather)

Post #: 168

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 20/7/2012 7:00:53 PM

TheGodfather

Posts: 5125
Joined: 21/10/2005
From: Sin City

quote:

ORIGINAL: AmityBodega1977

but I heard some negative reviews about The 39 Steps. I know it's a much older film but how would you rate it? Having already seen it.

I`d rate the picture quality (of the Criterion blu-ray, not the UK blu-ray) as really good. It`s on old film indeed but Criterion did a truly stellar job on it. Get it if you don`t have it yet.

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Post #: 169

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 21/7/2012 1:19:29 AM

AmityBodega1977

Posts: 26
Joined: 13/3/2011

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheGodfather

quote:

ORIGINAL: AmityBodega1977

but I heard some negative reviews about The 39 Steps. I know it's a much older film but how would you rate it? Having already seen it.

I`d rate the picture quality (of the Criterion blu-ray, not the UK blu-ray) as really good. It`s on old film indeed but Criterion did a truly stellar job on it. Get it if you don`t have it yet.

Thanks, that's good to know. I'll get the Criterion release, I think they are multi region too

(in reply to TheGodfather)

Post #: 170

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 11/11/2012 10:33:37 PM

Coyleone

Posts: 494
Joined: 13/10/2008

I've only gotten in to Hitchcock in the last couple of months, it was just a case of never getting around to watching any of his films, but with a ton of free time I've managed to finally get started with his work. And needless to say, it's absolutely brilliant. these are the ones I've seen so far from best to worst...

North By Northwest - Immediately jumped into my top 5 favourite movies of all time. One of the most purely enjoyable and suspenseful films I've ever seen. Grant is brilliant, it's funny, it's tense the score is amazing and it's an absolute joy to watch. Adored it on every level. 10/10

Vertigo - A genuine masterpiece. Technically this is one of the finest films ever made, and it's no slouch on the entertainment level either. It;s not quite as enjoyable as the above film, but it's not far behind. The use of colour and imagery are off the charts amazing, Stewart is class in the lead role, the twists and turns genuinely shocked me unlike any other movie, the dream sequence and the end both literally had me sitting there with my jaw dropped and the direction might be the best I've ever seen along side some of Goddard's work. Stunning. 10/10

The Birds - An amazing horror film. The fact that Hitchcock managed to make birds genuinely scary is a huge achievement in itself, but add that to the great tension and suspense and you've got a horror film of the highest order. The way he builds his characters first before hurtling them head first into another genre is so effective. 9/10

Rear Window - An immensely enjoyable, suspense filled movie. The sets and the camera work are brilliant, Stewart is maybe on better form than Vertigo here, despite the film not quite matching those heights. The suspense builds and builds to a brilliant climax. 8.5/10

Psycho - Great movie. I;d agree with some people that a couple of elements seem a little dated now, but then there's other elements like the cinematography and the shower scene that are just as effective today as anything else. Slowed down a little in the second half, but I really liked the ending and really enjoyed the film a lot. 7.5/10

Next up on my to watch list are Strangers On A Train, Rope and Rebecca.

EDIT:

Just watched Strangers On A Train tonight, and it was really, really good. I loved the whole of the first amusement park sequence, and the shot of the murder happening in the reflection in the glasses was amazing, I've never seen a shot quite like that before, seems like something not many filmmakers today would even consider or try doing. The finale was so, so good. I loved how everything built up in those final scenes from the tennis game until the carousel went down. Everything from the music to the tension reached boiling point and then just exploded in an unforgettable climax. Great fun. 7.5/10

< Message edited by Coyleone -- 12/11/2012 12:51:54 AM >

(in reply to AmityBodega1977)

Post #: 171

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 12/11/2012 1:53:25 PM

Professor Moriarty

Posts: 8814
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: the waters of Casablanca

quote:

ORIGINAL: Coyleone

North By Northwest - Immediately jumped into my top 5 favourite movies of all time. One of the most purely enjoyable and suspenseful films I've ever seen. Grant is brilliant, it's funny, it's tense the score is amazing and it's an absolute joy to watch. Adored it on every level. 10/10

This is the pure heart of NbNW that you can laugh at the scene in the auctioneers while still being afraid for the character. Next time you watch it, look out for Eva Marie Saint's lips / words in the dining car on the train. The words say "I never discuss love on an empty stomach", the lips say "I never make love on an empty stomach". The change coming when the latter was thought to be too risque.

If you like Hitch and Grant, check out Notorious.

(in reply to Coyleone)

Post #: 172

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 12/11/2012 7:20:44 PM

Coyleone

Posts: 494
Joined: 13/10/2008

Yeah I'll definitely check out Notorious. As far as the Hitch/Grant combo goes, how about To Catch A Thief? I saw it was one of his highest rated films on RT so I've got it lined up to watch.

< Message edited by Coyleone -- 12/11/2012 7:21:07 PM >

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Post #: 173

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 12/11/2012 9:20:41 PM

Professor Moriarty

Posts: 8814
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: the waters of Casablanca

Is it really? IMO it looks beautiful, but really is a lesser work in both Hitchcocks and Grants careers.

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Post #: 174

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 13/11/2012 11:47:46 PM

siegfried

Posts: 13375
Joined: 16/12/2007
From: Long ago and far away

Agreed, but as you say it does look gorgeous, is one of his wittier films, and hell, he was the only director, in my opinion, ever to make Grace Kelly sexy.

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Post #: 175

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 22/11/2012 10:35:12 PM

fairyprincess

Posts: 157
Joined: 26/9/2008

Dial m for murder 3d is coming out on blu-Ray next Monday. Can't wait.....

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Post #: 176

RE: The Films Of Alfred Hitchcock - 3/12/2012 9:32:26 AM

Saltire

Posts: 1873
Joined: 5/7/2011
From: Dundee

quote:

ORIGINAL: fairyprincess

Dial m for murder 3d is coming out on blu-Ray next Monday. Can't wait.....

One of his best, a tremendous film, though who would want to kill the gorgeous Grace Kelly!?!

(in reply to fairyprincess)

Post #: 177

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