“Rope” (1948) – Movie Review

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger

“Rope” is directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Its script is written by Arthur Laurents. The screenplay is based off a stage play called “Rope’s End” by Patrick Hamilton and is adapted by Hume Cronyn. This film stars James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Cedric Hardwicke, and Constance Collier. It’s plot follows two young men ( played by John Dall and Farley Granger) who strangle their “inferior” classmate, hide his body in their apartment, and invite his friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the “perfection” of their crime.

This is a very well-directed film. The lighting is used towards perfection, there are absolutely no distractions, and the long shots work extravagantly. Hitchcock keeps the film at a steady, but not very short pace. The film is only 80 minutes long, yet the shots don’t leave out a single captured moment. The direction works well also because of the Technicolor used to make the film. If this was shot in black-and-white, the direction wouldn’t have been very impressive.

The performances are brilliant and each portrays real everyday people. John Dall plays an intellectually superior lunatic with surprising charisma and delight. This is an example of a crazy person, yet Dall manages to act engagingly throughout the film. Farley Granger, after “Strangers on a Train” plays a similar role as a man scared to death. His character is fully fleshed out and represents undeniable quantities of realism. James Stewart is fantastic as the two men’s high school teacher Rupert. He shows that he is not only handsome, but also that he has the credibility to act with commitment. Stewart has some of the best dialogue, especially towards the end. The rest of the cast including Cedric Hardwicke and Constance Collier do not have much screen presence, but they manage to enthrall when they appear.

The screenplay written by Arthur Laurents is smart, intelligent, and at times even thought-provoking. Hitchcock builds up the tension very well and the dialogue is crisp and highly effective. This film doesn’t seem like a stage play at all. Only a few shots give some evidence of this being an adaptation.

“Rope” is an incredible film from Alfred Hitchcock. Yes, it is short and a bit predictable, but Hitchcock has created fully realized characters that handle a situation realistically. This is a film with only a few minor problems but otherwise, it can be called one of the most intriguing and memorable films that the ‘master of suspense’ ever made. A jarring and quietly powerful flick.

5/5 stars