Although this isn't one of Hitchcock's best films, it is still great and has many great elements. It drags a little during the first half but as Bergman hopelessly falls for criminal Peck, the story gains momentum.
The plot relies on the audience suspending its disbelief significantly. Most of the unraveling of the movie's mystery is due to Freudian analysis. Although very intriguing, it is not very plausible that John Ballantine (Gregory Peck) would remember an entire dream which could then be so intricately explained... almost flawlessly by psychoanalyst Bergman. Still, the story is captivating and the dialogue is well written.
The score, by Hungarian composer Miklos Rozsa is definitely one of the best of the 40's and was obviously an influence for Bernard Hermann's scores.
The acting is superb by all, especially by character actor Leo G. Caroll and the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman. It's not surprising that Hitch decided to use her again as the trashy alcoholic in "Notorious" the next year.
And of course, there are the Hitchcock touches... the use of color for a few frames, the kissing/door-opening sequence (you'll understand when you watch it), etc.
Overall, a very good film. *** 1/2 out of ****
The plot relies on the audience suspending its disbelief significantly. Most of the unraveling of the movie's mystery is due to Freudian analysis. Although very intriguing, it is not very plausible that John Ballantine (Gregory Peck) would remember an entire dream which could then be so intricately explained... almost flawlessly by psychoanalyst Bergman. Still, the story is captivating and the dialogue is well written.
The score, by Hungarian composer Miklos Rozsa is definitely one of the best of the 40's and was obviously an influence for Bernard Hermann's scores.
The acting is superb by all, especially by character actor Leo G. Caroll and the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman. It's not surprising that Hitch decided to use her again as the trashy alcoholic in "Notorious" the next year.
And of course, there are the Hitchcock touches... the use of color for a few frames, the kissing/door-opening sequence (you'll understand when you watch it), etc.
Overall, a very good film. *** 1/2 out of ****