Crime, mystery, suspense. 15 BEST ALFRED HITCHCOCK MOVIES
There is no other director like Alfred Hitchcock who has had such a huge impact on future generations. Today, virtually any gripping film can be called a hitchcockian thriller and everyone knows what it’s about. It’s as if he was the originator of the genre. He, however, from the thriller, which was a lower-class genre, brought out all the quintessence, shaped it so strongly that the genre began to be associated with a real cinematic experience, that is, a generator of suspense, emotion and fear. It’s difficult to count the director among the masters of detective fiction, because detective fiction is associated with puzzles, and Hitchcock wasn’t interested in puzzles. He was concerned with the effect of suspense, which is the hallmark of a thriller. In his view, suspense is not achieved with final twists, but by grading the tension throughout the film, thus laying out the various cards slowly, even if it means giving the identity of the murderer too early.
I got a theory a person ought to do everything it’s possible to do before he dies, and maybe die trying to do something that’s really impossible.
> Patricia Highsmith, Strangers on a Train
10. The Wrong Man (1956)
Between 1954 and 1959, Alfred Hitchcock made eight films, seven of them in color. This only black-and-white film from that period is The Wrong Man. The subjects that the director was most interested in found their place here, but they were transformed into a reportage with a heavy load of realism. Therefore, in terms of drama, this film isn’t impressive, and Henry Fonda has become an ordinary victim of fate without the former star charisma. Maxwell Anderson’s screenplay is based on the true story of Manny Balestrero, and to enhance authenticity Hitchcock shot in the actual locations of the event, in New York neighborhoods.
This is one of the least entertaining films of the thriller master – a sad tale of human mistakes leading to despair, destroying reputation and family. Vera Miles plays the role of the main character’s wife, but she isn’t just a supporting character here, but the most tragic one. For the situation has an even greater impact on her than on her husband – she suffers a nervous breakdown and falls into mental illness. Vera Miles is one of Hitchcock’s favorite actresses, having starred in four of his films: two theatrical and two television – in Revenge (1955), the pilot episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, she played a somewhat similar character who gets shocked by a harrowing experience. The Wrong Man is one of those underrated works by the Master that is worth watching because of its combination of a unique (in this case, paradocumentary) form with a timeless message also present in Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men (1954): “If you’re not sure, don’t accuse!”.
11. Vertigo (1958)
Alfred Hitchcock was interested in the Boileau/Narcejac duo’s signature novel, but Henri-Georges Clouzot bought the rights to film their work and made the sensational Diabolique (1955). The writers decided to come up with a different plot for the famous director, thus helping to create one of Hitchcock’s most remarkable works. Vertigo is characterized by a dreamlike atmosphere. This oneirism is enhanced by: Bernard Herrmann’s Wagnerian score, Saul Bass’ graphic projects, Robert Burks’ cinematographic mastery and the use of innovative optical tricks. To get the dizzy effect, technicians (including Irmin Roberts and John Fulton) came up with a combination of forward camera travel and backward zoom. The result was a trick so effective that it was later used repeatedly in films (it was called the vertigo effect, by the way).
The film wasn’t well received by either critics or viewers, and was only appreciated years later. Appreciated is an understatement – today the film already has the status of a masterpiece and an iron classic of cinema. This is influenced not only by technical innovations, but also by the original intrigue created by integrating the theme of the double with a romance and crime plot. James Stewart added another great role to the package, in the process convincing himself – as in Rope (1948) – that his name doesn’t guarantee financial success. The leading female role was to be played by Vera Miles, who had to decline due to pregnancy – thanks to this Kim Novak played the role of a lifetime. Chic costumes for her were prepared by the reliable Edith Head. Excellent cinema, which isn’t only a visual masterpiece, but also a fatalistic story about love, which is insatiable and imperfect just like crime. But also about overcoming one’s fears and fighting against oneself.
12. North by Northwest (1959)
At first glance, it’s hard to talk about originality, as once again the filmmaker of The 39 Steps realized the motif of an everyman caught up in a spy intrigue and wrongly accused of murder. But this film is made with such verve and mastery that it can be seen as the prototype of modern action films. Ernest Lehman’s script brilliantly built up the tension, cleverly complicating the intrigue, heightening the problems, dynamizing the action. He didn’t abandon comedic and romantic themes, preparing the base for an entertaining action cinema with James Bond. There is no symbolism or psychology, there is wit, adventure and excitement. The work of cinematographer Robert Burks, the designs of the production designers and decorators, as well as the ideas of Arnold Gillespie, known for improving trick techniques, made this film a visually appealing, even perfect work. Film editor George Tomasini made sure that the intricate plot became clear to the viewer. And Bernard Herrmann’s music was accurately summed up by one critic: “It’s a kaleidoscopic orchestral fandango”.
North by Northwest is the only film Alfred Hitchcock made for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and one of the director’s biggest box office hits. Many factors contributed to the success of the film. Compared to his previous pictures, it’s a dynamic and sophisticated work. The action rushes forward at an impressive pace, traversing many scenic areas along the way, from New York to Chicago to South Dakota, where Mount Rushmore is located. The plot is also appealing – it puts a dull advertising employee in a situation that brings him out of the crowd and tests his character and personality. The relationship between this character, played by Cary Grant, and his partner, played by Eva Marie Saint, isn’t stable, as it depends on a constantly changing situation. The director has reached the heights of his abilities, conducting the intrigue with lightness, finesse and humor. He created something like an adventure myth of an alternative America. Evil happens here too – violence and deceit are natural. However, wickedness must be punished, and courage, cunning and perseverance – rewarded.
Mariusz Czernic