why the movie's credibility is a nonfactor

I've seen this film criticized for its credibility repeatedly. This is wrong.

This movie functions on a metaphoric level. It is an existential thriller. Do critics go around criticizing Hitchcock films for their lack of credibility. Only the ones that don't mind being called fools. Why? Because Hitchcock's best movies function on metaphoric levels.

Metaphors in the film:

The tunnel during the opening credit sequence: Moving towards the light, coming out of darkness: Life to death.

The towns maze of walkways: Dangers lurk here, along with lovers, priests, friendlies, other sinners: Life as a maze.

Jack's skill: he crafts weapons. It is the thing he does despite his life. It is simultaneously connected to his life and apart from it: Jack's expertise mimics the artist's craft.

Jack as a hunter: Jack is a wolf amongst sheep, a killer allowed to roam. The female assassin is a killer too. They recognize each other. They are attracted to each other in the same way two powerful people circle and size each other up like large cats preparing for battle. In contrast, the prostitute and the priest is not Jack's equals. They lack skill. They are the sheep, or innocents. But Jack needs them in the same way a powerful person needs and controls others. He needs their inner life to live. In this way he is a man divided. He seeks peace and solitude but needs others.

Jack's solitude: because we all are essentially alone.

White butterfly seen in the forest setting 3 times: Transformation. The film's last shot shows the butterfly escaping up from Jack's car, or from life to death. Also, Jack is referred to several times as Mr. Butterfly.

Setting: moves from snow laden winter scene to chilly Italian back drop to the blossoming life of the forest setting found in the film's final shot: Death to life:

Death as rebirth.

My rating: 10