North by Northwest

Title: North by Northwest
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Starring: Cary Grant, James Mason, Eva Marie Saint
Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Indeed, "Bawden" and I have evil in our minds for tackling such a name, "Alfred Hitchcock". As I had always wanted to see "North by Northwest", I felt this would make a suitable timing. "Hitchcock" takes us through a voyage of espionage, deceit, and mistaken identities through the tale of "Roger O. Thornhill" (Grant), a New-York executive who is mistaken to be a secret agent. This confusion of identity introduces us to one of "Hitchcock's" most stylish thrillers and one of his most entertaining ones as well. While it is not rooted in human psychology and symbolism as we are used to in many other "Hitchcock" films, the film still delivers a great allegory about the "Cold War" and the relative morals behind it, while also maintaining a lighter touch that will keep this experience an amusing one as well.

"Ernest Lehman's" script was perfect for "Hitchcock". "Lehman" delivered a clever script, filled with intelligent and mischievous dialogues while providing many twists and turns that assure us overall satisfaction. This is one of the best written films in his catalogue. As with many of his films, we notice a brilliant rely on the soundtrack to stir the movement of the film. For that, the great "Bernard Herrmann", who is also known for his collaborations with "Hitchcock", composed fast paced score that accompanies splendidly the film, reflecting fluidly its moods and twists. But all these elements would have been ruined if it wasn't for a mastermind to coordinate all. It's his uncanny ability to monitor even the tiniest details that adds to his repertoire as a great director.

There is a reason for the persistence on the choice "Cary Grant" for the title role. He didn't seem to be acting; on the contrary, the role fell naturally upon him. He has a charming charisma that made him the star he is, ""Roger O. Thornhill" of "North by Northwest". And as in every thriller, there must be a villain. "Mason" was just mischievous in every way. While this is not the first time I review "Mason", refer to my review of "Julius Caesar", while not being impressed much there, I thoroughly enjoyed him here. He way he sits, moves, talks, he sparkles mischief through his eyes. Third of all, we have "Eva Marie Saint", the femme fatale of this flick."Mr. Hitchcock" sure does choose his leading ladies well. In a film where nothing is what it seems, when we stare into her eyes we cannot help but wonder "Is she?" or "Isn't she?"

All the elements mentioned above are the foundation to many spy films after, notably the "James Bond" series. The shadow is casted. We see Hitchcock in one of his magnum opuses. A master of suspense and action building up, it's hard to feel bored while watching such a film. Having giving us numerous iconic scenes, such as the air-plain scene and the chase scene on "Mount. Rushmore", not to forget his trademarks notable to those well enough familiar with his style, we see how can a director can assert himself as a central figure in film industry, especially that centering around building thrills and offerings us entertainment, yet at the same time going beyond such simplicity with themes and motives not to be taken lightly.

Without a doubt, this is recommended to all. It captures the spirit of excitement when going to the theater, sitting there, beholding the silver screen and waiting for all to unfold even if you are watching the film from your home. We are attached to the screen as we see all unfolding. The suspense is there, and with "Hitchcock" monitoring, plotting, and commanding, a simple scene turns a matter much more than what it seems, and what better makes the whole confusion and deceit more inter-connected? I have seen many of his films, and so far I have never been disappointed. A master of suspense, "Hitchcock" did not receive all those accolades for nothing; every one of them is earned. And to those new to him, this is a great start. It captures the spirit of suspense and thrill, yet at the same time isn't too heavy and confusing in nature while being extremely clever in context. The only reason for me not dubbing this one here "perfect" is because I have seen all these elements mentioned above taken a higher level of craftsmanship, which proves again the magnitude of "Alfred Hitchcock".