Would you put this among Hitchcocks best? - Rope (1948) Discussion

[–] netshopper-2 14 years ago

For me...no.

My favorite is North by Northwest followed by
Rear Window
Lifeboat
Suspicion
I Confess
Vertigo
Notorious
Rear Window and
Rebecca

Technically this film was great but the usual suspense for the audience was lost by showing the murder of David in the beginning. I agree with Laurents that doing that was a mistake and the film would have been more suspenseful had he kept us wondering until the chest was opened.

I do prefer it to Stage Fright.

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[–] donaghymicrowave 14 years ago

Absolutely. Had me hooked from beginning to end. Great acting, dialogue, story. Even reading the synopsis before viewing I had a feeling I was going to enjoy it. It certainly did not disappoint.

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[–] lewiskendell 14 years ago

No, I have it at #13 on my list. Not to say I disliked it, though. I found it somewhat enjoyable, and the end was very tense. I thought James Stewart was great.

Movies I've seen in 2010: http://www.flixster.com/movie-list/2010-movies-6

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[–] iheartthetalkies 14 years ago

It's definitely in the top 5-6 films

http://iheartthetalkies.wordpress.com

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[–] Lucy-Lastic 14 years ago

Well, my wife and I have just watched this and both think it is certainly not one of Hitchcock’s best. In fact, we were disappointed with it.
The plot was thin and my goodness couldn’t you tell it was a stage play, which is where it would probably have had more effect, and I agree with……………

“Wasn't James Mason (ironically, mentioned by name in the film) considered for the role? Mason would have been far better than either Stewart or Grant, because he was good at playing refined, charismatic, and vaguely sinister characters.

Stewart in contrast couldn't help but hide his "aw shucks" persona in spite of his best efforts.”

…………from Edward de Vere.

James Mason would have made the film – absolutely no doubt about it.

What's up, Cock?.....FTW

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[–] Gadare 14 years ago

Have to disagree with the crawl. While "Rope" is interesting and has its own frantic suspense it cannot compare with my favorite Hitchcock films:

1. Shadow of a Doubt
2. Notorious
3. Strangers on a Train
4. Psycho
5. North by Northwest
6. Rebecca
7. The 39 Steps
8. Rear Window
9. Vertigo
1O. Frenzy

"Listen...strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government."

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[–] TheLittleSongbird 14 years ago

For me, not quite, but it is a very good and interesting film.

"Life after death is as improbable as sex after marriage"- Madeline Kahn(CLUE, 1985)

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[–] OpaqueOne 14 years ago

This question depends on how large a window we're given to include Hitch's best films: top 5, top 10, top 20? He made over 60 films, didn't he? In any event, I consider Hitchcock my favorite director and would place Rope in his top 15 films, for sure, maybe even top 10, though not top 5. It is so hard to rank as consistent a filmmaker's works, especially when he worked in many sub-genres of suspense.

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[–] EricBarker 14 years ago

He made 53 features. I'd probably have to put Rope in the top 20, but he definitely made better films.

You talk about him as if he had occasional bad manners.

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[–] gilbert_gumphrey 14 years ago

I would definitely rank it among his best - certainly one of, if not the, most underrated of his works. Off the top of my head, I would have to rank them as:
1. Vertigo
2. Psycho
3. Rear Window
4. North by Northwest
5. Strangers on a Train
6. Spellbound
7. Rope
8. Notorious
9. Shadow of a Doubt
10. either Marnie or Frenzy

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[–] OpaqueOne 14 years ago

Hi Eric,

Agreed, Hitch has made better films than Rope. I can't argue your placing, as it's all down to what one enjoys in a film and how to rank them. I will say I enjoy it despite what some see as its stagebound limitations, because they allow the actors to shine more than usual. Hitch got some good performances out of his 'cattle' in this film, especially Dall. :-)

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[–] ugotit-1 14 years ago

It's a fantastic film. I love the storyline, all the characters are interesting and I love the fact that it's filmed like a play, probably because I'm a professional stage actor. All the actors give terrific performances especially John Dall and Farley Granger. It's one of my favourite Hitchcock films along with THE BIRDS,PSYCHO,SHADOW OF A DOUBT,SABOTEUR,REAR WINDOW and FRENZY.

We all go a little mad sometimes...

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[–] knnthln0-556-861648 12 years ago

Yes. I'd put it in the top ten. Personally I thought Psycho was the best.

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[–] Monkey_Stew 14 years ago

My favorite Hitch movie for sure.

youtube.com/grapejuicepictures

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