Notorious (1946) – [rate 4]
A classical spy movie and an undeniable Hitchcock. It has it all, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, oodles of suspense, intricate and complicated cinematographic novelties, the works. If anyhting is wrong with this movie is that a lot of movies like it have been made over time, including quite a few by Hitchcock. In its genre, it has some original twists and it makes effective use of a love interest to drive the plot, but I still feel it falls well short of a masterpiece.
Well worth watching though. Pay special notice to the shot in the main hall of the mansion, starting out with an overview of the guests gathering for a party and then diving in and zooming down all the way to the key in the hands of the main character – sliding into one of the most suspenseful scenes of the movie. A real thrill and a perfect example of why Hitchcock is considered such a genius director.
