a frustrating classic

Rating: Null/10 (19 January 2003)

Hitchcock's work remains interesting and this one raises various questions about the mind, psychosis, mistaken identity, mental breakdown, suspicion and possessiveness. James Stewart and Kim Novak shine in the leads, and the plot moves along at a cracking pace, startling and intriguing the viewer. The camera tricks are effective and the ending is extremely well done. It is saying a lot about the weakness of the human spirit within what starts as a simple (if unlikely) story, and grows to something beyond plot and linear thinking. Along with 'Strangers on a Train', this is my favourite from Hitch's body of work.