The greatest film of all time? That is pushing it. But there is certainly a lot of admire. The brilliant hypnotic score. Saul Bass' titles. The opening sequence plunges you straight into action. The stylish design and look. Funky visuals. Use of colour. It's maybe too long. Though hard to cut.
Kim Novak is used brilliantly. Hitchcock captures two aspects of her - the beautiful blonde goddess, enigmatic and alluring versus the trashy insecure shopgirl.
The film actually kicks up a notch in the last third with the reveal because Novak becomes the protagonist. It's about a woman hungry for love, who's been kicked around, and this guy pays her attention - she's willing to put up with it even though he's abusive. It's fantastic.
James Stewart maybe isn't good looking enough for her to be so devoted but I guess he is a film star. And his nervous intensity is used brilliantly - all that wartime PTSD.
Barbara Bel Geddes shines as the nice bitch in love with Stewart. This was a good addition from Sam Taylor, who downplayed the contribution of Alec Coppel.
Still ti's Novak who is the soul of the film - her longing. While Stewart is its possessive soul.
Not hard to see why it wasn't a hit. It's depressing.
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