One of Hitchcock's undeservedly underrated films

Rating: 9/10 (9 April 2013)

Well actually there are a lot of people who regard Lifeboat quite highly, it's just that while it is possibly not one of Hitchcock's very finest films it is one that is worthy of more credit than it gets. One or two of the characterisations are on the stylised side, like Henry Hull's, but it's not enough to properly drag Lifeboat down. The acting is exceptional on the most part, Tallulah Bankhead's forceful lead performances was most dominant though Walter Slezak's subtle creepiness also stood out. Lifeboat is remarkably well made, it may be deliberately just one set but utilised in a way that it is never monotonous or uninteresting. The cinematography and editing are exemplary, and Hitchcock couldn't have been a more perfect director, his suspenseful touches and atmosphere are all over it without it feeling too much. The story is very suspenseful and gripping, maybe the identity of the villain is not so much of a surprise but what's ingenious is what is done with how the characters find it out for themselves. The dialogue is taut and well written, and there is a brooding score that does nothing to undermine the tension. All in all, a great film and one of Hitchcock's most underrated. 9/10 Bethany Cox