North by Northwest


Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Martin Landau, Leo G. Carroll
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Rating: Unrated
Genre: Thriller
1959

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An ad executive (Cary Grant) is mistaken for a spy, and this puts his life in danger from other spies and the police. While he runs, he meets a beautiful woman (Eva Marie Saint) who seems very willing to help him figure out what is happening to him.

Review:

Tim: Alfred Hitchcock is a master and this film really displays his knack for suspense. The movie is a tense mystery wrapped up in a case of mistaken identity. It resonates with us because it could technically happen to anyone.

The story itself is interesting, but gets a little old as the movie progresses. The movie feels a tad long at slightly over two hours. For some movies that works, for this one, it should be been a few minutes shorter.

Cary Grant is excellent in his role. I'm not a huge fan of him, but he plays the role vigorously, with unmistakable charisma and charm. Ernest Lehman provides a dynamic script that gives Grant some pretty witty one-liners. He truly makes the role his own.

Of course, in Hitchcock's hands, the script comes to life in memorable fashion. North by Northwest features the famous scene with Grant being chased and hunted by a cropduster plane in the middle of the plains. This is a classic and very intense moment. Another classic moment arises as our heroes and villains scale Mount Rushmore. The film is worth seeing for these classic scenes alone.

Hitchcock directs a fast-paced, intense movie. He has made so many great movies and this is regarded as one of his best. It is a classic and a must-see for any movie lover.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Vertigo, Psycho, Strangers on a Train, Rear Window