North By Northwest
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Movie Reviews of North By Northwest
Movie Review: This is the movie for people who love movies...
Summary: 5 Stars
A case of mistaken identity sends a charming advertising executive on a cross country adventure filled with terror, murder and, believe it or not, love. Yes, `North by Northwest' is Alfred Hitchcock at his finest. Engrossing, deceptive and visually stunning; this is the type of `no holds bar' entertainment that keeps you glued to your seat throughout and begging for more upon the roll of the credits.
The ever so dapper Cary Grant plays Roger Thornhill, a man mistaken to be a undercover agent by enemy spies. When they fail to kill him he winds up getting himself in deep with the feds as his story about kidnapping and spies seems as preposterous as it is convoluted. Roger has to then take maters into his own hands in order to save his own life. This is when he meets the beautiful Eve Kendall, and as soon as sparks begin to fly his whole world gets flipped upside down.
I don't want to give away too much, but the great thing about Hitchcock is being able to experience it the way he intended; knowing very little. The more you know the less you can truly be surprised by everything that Hitchcock has in store for you; and believe me, he has a lot in store with this one.
From the stunning sets to the brilliantly choreographed stunts, this is a complete package; a marvelously crafted action thriller that actually has substance. It doesn't trim away the intelligence to deliver a half hearted spectacle but balances the two brilliantly, as do most of Hitchcock's films. The film is clever as all get out, which makes watching Roger get himself in and then out of trouble so much fun. The performances are also very good here. Cary Grant is an actor I am not very familiar with, but general consensus of his work is that he is more charm than depth. I found him a perfect balance of both here, able to fluctuate effortlessly between his emotions and his characters grasp of his situation. James Mason is amazing as the sinister Phillip Vandamm and Eva Marie Saint is stellar as Roger's love interest Eve. She has this sensuality that permeates her scenes and draws us into her mystery.
LOVE IT!
Anyways, I totally recommend this one. Like I said, I fear for saying too much so I'm cutting this one short. It is totally worth it though, for any film fan. It is just a great film, no matter which way you look at it. Even those who are not fans of Hitchcock (like my wife) can enjoy this film. If you love movies, you'll love this.
Movie Review: "The Man Who Sneezed in Lincoln's Nose"
Summary: 5 Stars
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Alfred Hitchcock knew a recipe for a perfect thriller because he had made many but among his films, "North by Northwest" (1959) stands out as a great combination of suspense, sex, and humor. The film is based on a case of mistaken identity that in a course of a few days makes a likable (even if slightly arrogant) Manhattan ad-man Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) the object of a cross country spy hunt. Having no clue what is happening to him, Thornhill will be kidnapped by the spies, brought to an unknown mansion and after the questioning forced to get drunk. He will get arrested for a stealing a car and drunk driving of which he has no recollection. It is just the beginning. Next, he finds himself in the UN building talking to a man who drops dead in the middle of the conversation in front of hundreds of people. The worst part - the man is murdered and Thornhill has the murder weapon, the knife in his hand. Both, the police and the spies are on his trail and his only hope is to escape NYC by train where a very sexy blonde named Eve (Eva Marie Saint) is ready to help him. Their encounter leads to one of the sexiest scenes ever filmed without any sexual act involved.
The film is packed with the witty and funny dialogs and one- liners as well as with artful and imaginative set pieces including Grant running for his life across the prairie from an evil crop-duster and the climatic chase on Mount Rushmore. Hitchcock who always wanted to make a film with two scenes - a chase on the face of a president and the attempt to wake up the Peru Ambassador during the assembly in UN who turned to be dead, had his dreams fulfilled with "North by Northwest" which he suggested should be called "The Man Who Sneezed in Lincoln's Nose". Among many of film's pleasures are Eva Marie Saint as sexy stranger on a train and James Mason and young Martin Landau as a duet of villains with a complicated relationship.
Movie Review: Cary Grant at his best!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is by far one of Cary Grant's best films. We now own the collection of most Alfred Hitchcock movies and actually play a game while watching them, for invariably he appears during his films. We watch and see who can spot his cameo appearances... my favorite is when Mr. Hitchcock is part of a portrait... so we had a devil of a time finding him during the movie.
North by Northwest was produced in 1959 and it has a recipe of romance, intrigue, thrilling action, and mystery that produces a brilliant performance by Cary Grant.
Cary Grant plays Roger O. Thornhill, an advertising executive who is erroneously kidnapped by enemies of a certain George Kaplan, supposedly a United States undercover agent. Mr. Thornhill is drugged but escapes and a fascinating series of events start to shape the plot. During this film, we see the appearance of great actors from Mission Impossible, the Man from Uncle, and other shows, which keep us at the edge of our seat with their mystery, thrilling action, and romance.
Eva Marie Saint plays the part of the woman Cary Grant falls for. She is sexy, elegant, poised... and the two engage in some of the most interesting dialogue, which at some point, culminates in the most interesting of romantic kisses ever produced by Hollywood.
The filming in New York City allows the audience to travel through Manhattan in the 50's and it is amazing how it all remains the same, and yet due to security... it is all so very different, especially with regards to visiting the United Nations, where there is a stabbing not to be missed for it is something that could not take place in today's terms.
The end of the movie is a classic cliffhanger that takes place atop the stone faces of Mount Rushmore! Do not miss this movie! Cary Grant at his best!
Movie Review: Excellent Hitchcock Thriller!
Summary: 5 Stars
With a classy Bernard Hermann score, Hitchcock lets us in on the story of an advertising exec, Mr. Thornhill, who likes his job, considering advertising as exaggerating the facts for the public.
(Hitch makes one of his famous on screen appearances, and doesn't quite make the bus!)
It's fun, though a bit unrealistic, that an advertising man who was just kidnapped would then follow up on the guys who tried to kidnap him, investigate the hotel room of the "real" Kaplan and go through these adventures. But that's fine, it's still a lot of fun.
Each scene has him take a step closer to finding out more about the kidnappers, narrow escapes, chase scenes and thrilling near-misses.
The cinematography is superb. The 30th floor view as Thornhill runs out -- the unusual perspective shots, the mistaken identifies and mistaken situations -- the logical illogic, the puzzles and the plots and plans -- All doves together in a crescendo of simple if deadly delights for the viewer.
But not for Thornhill.
[Some minor plot reveals here]
A blonde on the train (but who is she, really?) a little romance & comedy adds to the grim specter of a very long jail sentence or the bad spies rub him out!
Best scenes of course include:
The biplane scene that sprays bullets rather than insecticide on our poor Mr. Thornhill.
The Mt. Rushmore scene that has lots of near misses and very tall heights to climb and nearly be killed by, especially with Martin Landau chasing you down!
There's a double-cross, there's James Mason (as actually the evil spy Van Damme), lots of near misses -- I keep saying that but it's true. The film is full of near misses!
Recommended, highly so.
Movie Review: Another Hitchcock Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
There isn't much in the way of superlatives that I can say about NORTH BY NORTHWEST that can't already be found among the other reviews here. Bear with me while I simply point out the following:
This is an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Hitchcock is regarded by many as the best movie-maker of the twentieth century. Furthermore, NBNW is is not just any Hitchcock movie, it's generally considered one of his best.
The story begins with a classic case of mistaken identity in which our hero (played by Cary Grant) gets caught up in a case of international espionage. As the story unfolds, it's hard to be sure who can be trusted and who can't. The plot twists and turns, carrying the viewer on a roller-coaster ride from city to countryside and from the east coast to the Dakotas. The cast is excellent, several of the scenes are among the most memorable in cinematic history, the background scenery is often spectacular, and the music builds on the story's shifting moods extremely well.
NBNW is a genuine Hollywood classic. The American Film Institute currently has in the fortieth position on its list of the 100 greatest movies and it's in the fourth spot in the sub-category of the 100 greatest movie thrillers.
Alfred Hitchcock made a slew of great movies. While a few (i.e. PSYCHO, THE BIRDS) are probably better known, NBNW and REAR WINDOW are my personal favorites. Both are simply excellent. Coincidentally, the proprietors of this web page are currently offering NBNW and REAR WINDOW together as a package deal. If I didn't already own both flicks, I'd be all over that. So, this is your chance to pick up two great movies in one quick purchase. My advice? Don't miss out. Get both. You won't be sorry.