Two Line Reviews - #417

Movie: Topaz (1969)

Plot: During the cold war, a neutral French spy tries to help the Americans in understanding what the Russians are up to in Cuba. In the process, he jeopardises his family-life, his estranged love and his own life. Operation 'Topaz' reveals much more than what he had sought!

What Works?

• This Hitchcock film, in its own right, deserves as much recognition as some of his other spy classics have got. It is gripping, full of interesting twists!
• The actors are unknown to me, but they deliver in sheer Hitchcock-actors style. The characters such as the florist, the Cuban comrade, the Russian agent, the crippled-french are typical HC surprises!
• The passionate intimacy between the hero and the Cuban informer works brilliantly! So does the 'Don''s like background theme.
• The muted scene when the florist approaches the comrade's assistant, the final few scenes are novel and classy!

As sharp as the 'Topaz' stone!

Two Line Reviews - #413

Movie: Family Plot (1976)

Plot: A phony spiritualist and her boyfriend try to track a person upon success of which they are bound to get $10,000 from a woman who seeks the person for making him heir to her property. The guy they are after happens to be a kidnapper/diamond smuggler. When they successfuly chase him down for the right reasons, he understands they are behind him for the wrong reasons and it gets them into deep trouble!

What Works?

• A typical plot that has loads of suspense and action has been handled impeccably again by Alfred Hitchcock - 40 years after he started making films and his touch hasn't been lost!
• The actors - the con-woman, her reluctant cab driver friend, the cunning smuggler, his aides have all performed aplaudably well.
• The suspense around the buried Eddy Shoebridge and the tracking of it via Maloney is the best block of the lot!
• John Williams' music is haunting enough and the camera work is of top quality making it a superb thriller to watch.

In his last Hurrah, Hitchcock doesn't fail to impress!

Two Line Reviews - #411

Movie: Torn Curtain(1966)

Plot: An American scientist goes to East Germany to get details on the revelations a German scientist has done on Nuclear power before the Russians buy him out. He goes into the iron curtain posing as an impostor but before he gets out, his true intentions are known making it difficult for him to come out of the curtain.

What Works?

• An Alfred Hitchcock film, it seems, never fails to impress with the suspense it promises to deliver.
• Paul Newman faithfully follows the Hitchcock hero grace earlier shown by the likes of Cary Grant & Stewart.
• The iron-will of his girl aide Sarah is another winner; The beautiful Julie Andrews is adorable.
• Characters such as Lindt, Kromer & the Polish lady stay in memory for long.

Super Suspense!

Two Line Reviews - #380

Movie: The Trouble With Harry (1955)

Plot: Harry is found dead on the meadows! The trouble with the death is that a few people in the neighbourhood think they were responsible for his death and dig him before the police finds him. When they come to know the buck has been passed to someone else, they force Harry to be dug out. After a series of dig in and dig out, the trouble with Harry finally comes to an end!

What Works?

• Alfred Hitchcock after a long time and what a miss it has been! There is something extra-ordinary about him. While so many others tirelessly try complex stuff to captivate audience, Hitchcock, as if he kids them all away, comes up with a simple narration of an atrociously humourous thriller and captivates!
• The 5 prominent artistes casually converse and get the viewer's attention! A lot of it has to do with their simple reactions and nonchalant camerawork and engaging and witty dialogues!
• The dark humour works brilliantly in some important scenes and the suspense is well-maintained till the very end of the film!

A weird one-liner made into a humour-filled thriller! No trouble watching this Harry!