North By Northwest (1959) Dir: Alfred Hitchcock

Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVTeUcPjThc/?igsh=Y3ZscXhia3l2MXF0

There are certain filmmakers so iconic, that the mere mention of their name evokes a wealth of images, characters, and names. The legendary Alfred Hitchcock is arguably the best example of this very notion. There are a number of Hitchcock films one can rattle off immediately upon hearing his name, chiefly, of course; 'Psycho' - I'm sure you can all relate to that particular example. This film is perhaps slightly less well-known than that most famous of films, but it is still an absolute classic in the eyes of cinema lovers, and one I knew I simply had to watch sooner rather than later.

One thing I can only ever admire about Hitchcock's films, especially from his prime, is the way he builds the settings for his characters to inhabit. He was a true master of shot-building, not just in terms of framing, but of filling scenes as well. He knew what he was doing when it came to detailed sets that one could study for extended periods of time and still find new facets of. The stately home in this film was particularly relevant to this point.

Often, films of a certain age can drag a little more than our modern eyes and minds are used to, but that was not the case here. This was an enthralling mystery, which went well-and-truly down the rabbit hole of crime and conspiracy. It leads it's audience through turn after turn, taking you deeper into the maze. It, of course, features a truly legendary and exhilarating plane sequence, which is not only the most iconic sequence from the film, but one of the most iconic of the whole decade. I was heavily engaged, and highly satisfied by its high stakes mystery story.

Cary Grant is an icon of Twentieth Century cinema, but, unbelievably, this is one of the only times I've ever seen him in a film. I thought he was tremendous, and clearly revelled in the intrigue and suspense of the narrative. He was not Jimmy Stewart levels of good, but he was extremely effective and entertaining nonetheless. I really enjoyed his performance.

Eva Marie Saint filled the role of the customary 'Hitchcock Blonde', and played it extremely well, in my opinion. She was a classic femme fatale, and one that showed her character's internal conflict with consumate ease. James Mason provided a deliciously devious yet refined villain, whose charisma and smarmy arrogance proved to be a great match to that of the iconic Cary Grant's. I also have to mention the very entertaining and memorable performance of Jessie Royce Landis, whose acting was genuinely very amusing.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent thriller, more than deserving of being called a classic. It has all the suspense and dramatics one can expect of just about any Alfred Hitchcock film, and provides a number of memorable sequences, some of which have clearly influenced many more contemporary works since then. It is without a doubt one of Hitchcock's finer films, and one I am so glad to say I have finally watched.