First Hitchcock Film

Rating: Null/10 (26 October 2011)

So, like my title states, this was my first foray in the often macabre world of Alfred Hitchcock. I had previously seen bits and pieces of films like psycho, or the birds, but had never actually sat down and watched a Hitchcock film start to finish. If I only knew what I was missing. Everything about this film was great, the story, the misc-en-scene, the wealth of creative and interesting characters, as well as the subtle undertones of patriotism, or lack thereof. First is the story. Hitchcock wastes no time throwing the viewer right into the meat of the story, as the film's inciting incident, the death at the airplane factory, happens in the first five or so minutes of the film. From there, things only get better for the viewer, albeit much worse for the film's lead character. For me, two of the more enjoyable aspects of the film's plot came during the scene when Pat and Barry encounter the traveling circus. This scene is not only memorable for its obviously distinct characters, but also for the lessons that they impart on Pat and Barry. For instance, learning not to judge people, and giving everyone, regardless of their situation, a fair chance. Secondly, the scene with the blind man was also excellent because of the use of well placed lighting, music, as well as the twist at the end of the scene when the blind man reveals that he was aware of Barry's handcuff's all along. Just superb. From there, the film only gets better. Though the film is essentially designed as a mystery/ suspense film, there were several parts that were genuinely funny. While Hitchcock might not have meant this to be the case, I thought the scene during Mrs. Sutton's ball was funny as well as vital to the plot. Additonally, the film touches on notions of patriotism and what people will do to meet their own ends. That aspect of the film, that is to say, the anti-patriotic parts, are what really struck a chord with me seeing as how this film was released shortly after America's entry into World War II. Finally, the overall look and feel of the film is great. I was taken aback but the scene early on in which the smoke from the factory fire begins to slowly billow in. I was floored by how visually arresting Hitchcock manages to make something as simple as smoke look stunning in the greater sense of the film. Overall, I would definitely recommend this film to anyone.