Tag Archives: Hitchcock

Entertainment

North by Northwest

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North by NorthwestNetflix IMDb
Join me as well as Mike and Max of Commentary Track Stars as we watch another Hitchcock classic. Mike and I love it. Max doesn’t like it much (Does Max like anything? Yes: Star Wars and Aliens.) We analyze the film in relation to other Hitchcock thrillers, James Bond, and romances. And we discuss Cary Grant’s suit and Hitch’s taste in blondes and ridiculous plots.

We examine the villains’ plans and the good guys’ plans. We ruminate on cold war methods of assassination (cropduster being most common, followed by knife throwing and poisoned suits). We discuss weird hotel services and whether or not Roger Ebert is wormhole alien. We take a close, hard look at the geography of Chicago, eastern Indiana, and Mount Rushmore. And we evaluate the likelihood of getting a drink on the Chicago Metra these days.

I’m watching the Region 1 DVD. They’re watching the Blu-ray. Start the movie after the MGM logo fades to green, on the countdown.

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Entertainment

Vertigo

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VertigoNetflix IMDb
Join me and Mike of Commentary Track Stars as we take a dizzying look from the heights of one of, if not the, best of Hitchcock—best of anyone, according to some. My microphone sounds weird.

We’re watching the Region 1 DVD Collector’s Edition version. Start the movie after the Universal logo and before the Paramount logo, on the countdown.

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Entertainment

Rear Window

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Rear WindowNetflix IMDb
Join me and John Pavlich of Sofa Dogs as we peer fixedly thru Rear Window. It’s a heartbreaking tale of an impotent old man and his ravishing young girlfriend, who can’t help but stare into the lives of a lonely woman, a pair of newlyweds, an older married couple, a frustrated composer, an oddball sculptor, and a wholesale jewelry salesman and his wife.

Thrill to the dinner scene! Cower at the massage scene! Flutter at the Edith Head fashion show! Somehow, Alfred Hitchcock manages to keep us interested and even make us shake with fear without ever showing something so crass and common as a murder. It’s one of our favorites, and we have a great time!

We’re watching the Region 1 DVD Collector’s Edition version. Start the movie after the Universal logo and before the Paramount logo, on the countdown.

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Entertainment

Psycho (1960)

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Psycho 1960Netflix IMDb
Jamie Lee Curtis’ mom takes it on the lam! Join me as I have a hell of a lot of fun examining Alfred Hitchcock’s great low-budget suspense flick. I compare it to Hitch’s other work, to the 1998 shot-for-shot remake, and to Death Proof, The Searchers, A Fistful of Dollars, and Dirty Harry. I quote from Peter Bogdonovich’s book a few times. And I examine the motifs and symbols (birds = chicks; windows = windows). I mix up the name of the town and the name of the cemetery several times. I bring up the delicate subjects of Mama Bates’ age and the depth of Norman’s desert swamp. Plus, I rewrite the picture so it’s as conventional as possible—with a happy ending! Oh, and I laugh like a ninny. Enjoy!
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Entertainment

The 39 Steps

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The 39 StepsNetflix IMDb
Alfred Hitchcock presents his first big hit with all the trimmings: the innocent man taking it on the lam, the tough and beautiful blond sparring with him, the quirky humor, and the weird conclusion. Listen as I compare the film to Young and Innocent and North by Northwest, talk about Hitchcock’s early work and developing style, joke about the Scottish stereotypes, and stumble over British currency. Plus, you learn what a “crofter” is. Please note, however, that you will not learn what causes pip in poultry or how old Mae West is. Who am I? Mr. Memory?

Note: I mistakenly call Godfrey Tearle “Geoffrey.” I mention Hitch’s annoyance at Montgomery Clift and Paul Newman for their acting style. They were indeed both Method actors. Also, British currency was decimalized in 1971 rather than my guess of 1972.

Wait for my countdown to start the film with the title card, after the film board rating. (42 MB)

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