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North
by Northwest (1959)
Review
One of
Hitchcock's most cram-packed films, North By Northwest is in many
ways Hitch at his most ambitious, but at the same time one of few films
where he allows himself to loosen up completely and let what's fun come
before maintaining his artistic integrity. North by Northwest
doesn't mind being meticulously plotted, shamelessly packed with
edge-of-your-seat action or having a basically fearless protagonist who
acts more at the audience than at the drama that unfolds in front of
him. With Cary Grant, in his usual seductive form, being chased around the
most audacious of settings, North by Northwest is at once both
Hitchcock at his most kitsch and at his most elegant.
The
film looks fabulous with its abundances of now iconic locations, sets,
and set-pieces. And with remarkably glossy, almost unreal Technicolor
cinematography by Robert Burks and chic costumes by the uncredited
Harry Kress, North by Northwest is a fashion statement still to
this day. It is perhaps
also the most back-to-back suspenseful entry in Hitchcock's catalogue, as we're taken from one memorable,
quintessential scene to another. Grant and Saint never become the
hottest couple on-screen, but they clearly share the same idea of fun
and conjure up a charismatic interplay. In other roles, James Mason
gives a suitably aristocratic performance, whereas the most interesting
character belongs to Martin Landau whose layered Leonard improves with
each view.
In
addition to classic scenes such as the train sequence, the crop-dusting, and
Grant's wonderful display at an Chicago auction, North by Northwest
is above all a testament to a director who was actually able to make
films that met the demands of both critics and the public. This is
pure entertainment of sheer class. And Bernard Herrmann's dazzling score
is the icing on the cake.
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