Rope (1948) - Review

 Rope (1948)

 Rope is a highly regarded suspense/thriller of its time and to this day is still viewed as one of the best ever, even though it came to the silver screen six decades ago. Hitchcock's intense and flawless direction accompanied by strong acting performances was always a recipe for success, and Rope is no exception. The entire film was shot in the one apartment with only three visible takes which keeps the audience on edge and deeply drawn into the moment. The film is based around two college students who are obsessed with committing the perfect murder, which was always a discussion of interest in college by their favourite lecturer.

The major aspect of this film which sets it apart from the rest of the same genre, is the fact that the murder itself is not the central feature of the movie, it is the initial events after the murder that keeps us excited. So what could possibly happen? How about a planned dinner party, located in the same apartment minutes after the murder, involving the family and friends of the victim. As the guests arrive for dinner you are eagerly waiting to see if anyone will notice the rope hanging out of the large wooden chest with the body inside, which is a centre piece of the apartment and is visible throughout the entire film. The chest is always in view and you're trying your best to telepathically order the guests to "Open the damn chest!" It’s moments like these when we're reminded of
Hitchcock's supremacy once again.

The best suspense of the film comes with the final guest arriving to the apartment, the lecturer Rupert, played by the great James Stewart. Rupert's investigative mind wanders, and keeps us guessing to see if he will put the events together. The controlling and over confident murderous student Brandon, played by John Dall, gives an award winning performance, and has great dialogue throughout the film; especially the subtle hints he gives of his murderous ways.

Rope is great to watch with a bunch of fans of the suspense/ thriller genre and I hope you find the time to enjoy this timeless masterpiece.

9/10

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