Hitchcock's Best Film

Agree 110%

I agree definitely one Hitchcoks best!!! Timeless!!!

I think in terms of emotional impact and pacing, this film certain had problems. I had trouble buying Devlin and Alicia's romance, especially when almost all of their their encounters were very brief. Their attraction towards each other seemed very forced as well: They went mountain hiking and all of a sudden Grant kisses Bergman, and we are supposed to believe he loves her? Then, there was there beginning part where I felt that Alicia's background wasn't that properly established: We had a series of short scenes with Alicia in the US, and we quickly arrived at Brazil where she's supposed to carry out her spy activities.

However, I think I safely say that this film contains one of most visual motifs amongst all other Hitchcock film. The themes of trust, alcoholism, loyalty were very interesting to say the least.

I think all-around PSYCHO is more compelling both plot-wise and aesthetically, but I'd rank NOTORIOUS as perhaps his third best (after REBECCA).
I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

I think it's a good movie, but I think it's trying to be too "political and big". I would have liked it more if it was more "personal". I had kind of the same problem with The Man Who New to Much and Topaz (but not the same type of movies of course). The brazil/nazi/metal pounder in the bottle ting made it less interesting on a personal level, and reduced the romance and suspense imo.

The direction, yes, from minute to minute, blows my mind. Hitchcock's manifold deployment of technique might be unmatched. Each scene promises new glimpses into this director's understanding of cinema. And in addition, he gets fine performances from his actors. Quite unlike anybody else.

But, for me, nothing about this film is close to perfect.

My rating: 8

After watching this, The Lady Vanishes and Vertigo (which I do consider a masterpiece), I can't help but wonder how Hitchcock viewed himself during these earlier (30's and 40's) periods of his career. Did he consider himself an artist? Or merely a highly skilled craftsman? I ask because while Notorious overflows with the highest pedigree of filmmaking, frequently weak plot points tarnish the whole for me. Take Alicia's diminutive note of sadness after learning of her father's death. The paucity of depth supplied by Hitchcock in relating this seismic event leads me to believe he had no illusions about his creation: An entertaining thriller.

I also find the film's score interesting. Hitcock uses the swelling music sparingly, which I am thankful for because these early film scores sicken me, but at the same time I can't help but wonder how Hitchcock feels about the music? It's as though he cues the music to cue the romance, and then goes a step further by having his actors utter sly lines while the syrup plays (likely misquoted):

"Why do you like the song?"

"Because it's a love song, and love songs are always silly."

He's laughing at his film's bad taste, right?

I really loved the film, I thought Cary Grant's performance good and Ingrid Bergman's was great for sure. As for the story, it was very good, of course, and I thought the ending was great (although I can understand why some people complain about it.)

I wouldn't say it was my favorite, though. As much as I love Notorious, North by Northwest, and (many of you will disagree) Torn Curtain, I still think Hitchcock's best works are the ones that focus on... how can I put this? Things like murder, rather than his espionage films (which are also great). My favorite Hitchcock films are, in order:

1) Psycho
2) Rear Window
3) Vertigo
4) Dial 'M' For Murder
5) Strangers On A Train.

Within the espionage films of his:

1) North By Northwest
2) Notorious
3) The Man Who Knew Too Much (I mean the remake, I haven't seen the British version yet)
4) Torn Curtain.

It's arguably one of his best films.

So many people are divided when it comes to Hitchcock's work - the good, the bad, the best; the opinions are just all over the place.

For me, it's definitely in the top 5.




The prostitution rests. - Kelly Bundy