On R List of Movie Reviews
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Rope (1948)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
10/06, 12/12
10/06:
It's amazing to notice that Rope was made in 1948 and that it's still groundbreakingly innovative today.
The acting by James Stewart, Farley Granger, and John Dall is perfect. The dialogue is perfect. The setting is perfect.
The direction is perfect. The suspense is perfect. The characters are perfect. Everything about Rope is perfect: a
definitive Hitchcock masterpiece.
Ahead of its time, there's a lot of information presented which will be proven true through the study of serial killer
duos, especialy when it comes to the dominant/submissive relationship.
All in all, Rope is a bona fide Hitchcock classic.
12/12:
The first time I saw Rope, I was enthralled, but now, I realize it's an annoying movie.
Right off the bat, it's a very talky picture in a theatrical way. The characters are lame, and their conversations are hammy
to listen to. About ten minutes or so into the party, it has gotten too obvious that the killers, mostly Brandon, want to
be caught. Rupert, who's played somewhat well by James Stewart, has it figured out by the 50th minute mark. From that point
thereon, it becomes chore to wait until he reveals what he knows about the killers who freely dish out many clues to make
their murderous accomplishment all too obvious. It's been suggested they're homosexuals, prompting me to say, "Huh? Grow up, please."
However, Rope is a technically well-shot picture. Imagine trying to make a movie in a single room for the
entire duration. In other words, it feels like the whole thing was shot in one day. Another is the gradual shift
of light from daytime to nighttime as seen through the orangery. Sometimes, I think of how fake the city background is,
but there are certain aspects that make it appear real and illuminating along with cloud changes.
One thing I don't like is the placement of neon lights in front of the bricked building. Let's be real: why would a businessman
set it up this way by letting some of the letters be blocked? I know, Hitchcock wanted to add the noir feel, but still...
All in all, in spite of some mertis, Rope is a flawed picture.