By Christian Corey
Staff Writer
North by Northwest
Plot Summary:
A New York City advertising man Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) is mistakenly identified as a United States C.I.A. agent by a group of foreign spies and is framed for murdering a United Nations diplomat. While on the run, Thornhill boards a train to Chicago where meets Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) who is a double agent and helps him evade the authorities and clear his name.
Corey’s Review:
North by Northwest is a movie that does exactly what any “good movie” should do….make the viewer think. Unlike mondernday action or spy movies, North by Northwest does not showcase intense explosions, high-tech hacking of government databases, or unrealistic automobile chase scenes. Instead, this film keeps the viewers on their toes by taking them on a visually iconic and suspenseful rollercoaster ride across the Midwest in hopes of liberating a ma
Dial “M” for Murder
Plot Summary:
A retired English tennis player Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) finds out his wealthy socialite wife Margot (Grace Kelly), is having an affair with a American writer Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings). In an effort to get even and receive his wife’s inheritance, Wendice blackmails an old acquaintance into to murdering his wife. However, when the wrong person is killed Wendice scrambles to devise a new plan to outwit the police and inspector Hubbard (John Williams) to avoid having his original plan unveiled.
Corey’s Review:
Dial “M” for Murder is another film that forces the viewers to think while watching the plot unfold. However, unlike North by Northwest 95% of this film takes place in one setting, Tony’s and Margot’s flat. What the movie lacks in visual aesthetics, it make ups for in its complex storyline which is what keeps the viewers intrigue throughout the film. The movie was also considered revolutionary because of the unique camera angles director Alfred Hitchcock incorporated.
Psycho
Plot Summary:
A Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) finds herself on the lam after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to disappear with her lover Sam Loomis (John Gavin). After being on the run for several hours, Crane stops off at the Bates Motel. Upon her arrival she meets eerie taxidermy enthusiast and motel owner Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Unfortunately, Crane’s stay is unexpectedly cut short.
Corey’s Review:
Psycho is a film that has viewers on the edge of their seat not because what happens, but rather what the viewers think is going to happen. Despite the movie only displaying 2 “gruesome” scenes, it is able to maintain the “suspense factor” throughout the film due to it’s fantastic soundtrack. This film is also one of the first American films to openly depict premarital sex and shine a light on mental illness.
The Swimmer
Plot Summary:
A wealthy advertising man Ned Merrill (Burt Lancaster) pays a surprise visit to his neighbors during late summer in upstate Connecticut. Following his visit Merrill notices that there are pools spanning the entire valley that lead back to his estate. Thus, Merrill decides to take the unorthodox rout of “swimming his way home.” However, each pool he dives into triggers a somber memory of his past, until he reaches his final destination that devastates him.
Corey’s Review:
The Swimmer is a aesthetically pleasing film with fantastic visuals that tells a somber story. The movie takes a deep dive into the sad realities of Ned Merrill’s life which are a direct result of poor past decisions. In short, this film highlights the
autumn season of a once vibrant and successful man who is dealing with deep regret.