In an attempt to provide a variety of movie selections for 18 Cinema Lane, I chose to review Strangers on a Train. Introduced to me by a close friend, this is the fourth Alfred Hitchcock film that I’ve seen. I’ve also watched Rear Window, Psycho, and The Birds. After watching Rear Window for the first time, I’ve come to have an appreciation for the story-telling abilities and movie making talents of Alfred Hitchcock. If the story is intriguing and the movie is entertaining, I am more than willing to expand my cinematic horizons to include “classic” films. I also am more than happy to recommend films to others, introducing movies to those who are traveling on their cinematic journeys. So, no matter where you are on your movie-viewing adventure, let me share my thoughts with you about Strangers on a Train!

Things I liked about the film:

• The acting: As good as the acting was in Strangers on a Train, the one actor that stole the show was Robert Walker. His portrayal of Bruno Antony was so convincing, it was unsettling whenever Bruno came on-screen. The character of Bruno, in my opinion, was disheartening because he was so determined to get what he wanted right up until the very end, believing that what he was doing was right. Robert’s performance was very versatile, as he was able to effortlessly display different emotions and characteristics. His performance was one of the best I’ve seen in an Alfred Hitchcock film!

 

• The suspense: In Strangers on a Train, the suspense reminded me of the suspense in Rear Window. In both films, the suspense was a slow and steady build-up. It allowed for the character and plot developments to grow to their fullest potential. This build-up led to the culmination of the suspense in the climax, which was very entertaining and engaging!

 

• The cinematography: There was some really cool looking cinematography that came across as being ahead of its time. I won’t give anything away, but whenever a scene involves a pair of glasses, the way it is filmed is really creative. Also, there is a scene involving the character of Bruno sitting in an audience that is well filmed.

What I didn’t like about the film:

• A slower pace: For about the first thirty minutes, the pace of Strangers on a Train was slow. However, when Bruno and his parents show up at a tennis match, that’s when the pace picks up.

  

My overall impression:

I really enjoyed this movie! Strangers on a Train is one of the better of Hitchcock’s films and it reminded me of Rear Window. My appreciation for Hitchcock’s directing talents have grown ever since I saw my first Alfred Hitchcock film. If you’ve never seen any of Hitchcock’s films before, I think Strangers on a Train is a good introduction to his cinematic collection. It has the right amount of suspense that will keep you on the edge on your seat. This movie also has such a well-written story that is engaging as well. Please check out Strangers on a Train because I think it’s totally worth it!

 

Overall score: 8 out of 10

 

Have you seen Strangers on a Train? What’s your favorite Alfred Hitchcock film? Please tell me in the comment section!

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen