Notorious, Movie Review Example

How does Hitchcock introduce us to the two principle characters? Where do the scenes take place and how is the camera placed?

Hitchcock is famously recognized for his concentration of visual effects and details when shooting the film and introducing the two main characters. He prepares the storylines of every scenario before shooting. It is evident as he introduces the two main actors by cleverly playing with Grant’s star power in introducing Devlin to the film in the scene. This is at a party the night Alicia’s father is convicted, and hence she drinks to keep that out of her mind. The position of the camera is very strategic as it is positioned Devlin seated on a chair and hence only the back of her head can be seen. Moreover, he attaches the shot as he makes left and right moves to follow Alicia, who is morally indistinct as she drinks and flirts trying to forget.

How does Hitchcock get us to identify with and care about the two lead actors Carey Grant and Ingrid Bergman?

In identifying with the lead actors, Hitchcock shows as their abilities and uniqueness that makes the viewers care about them. For Ingrid Bergman, her role is perfect as she cleverly joins the decent and the carnal. In the Film, there is no doubt that she is a champion, and the audience can fathom why Grant character can be doubted as that of a hero.

How would you describe the mood or tone of the film in visual terms?

The mood or tone of the film is a mixture of love and betrayal/ suspicious. First, there is love, but the lovers here are in doubt of what their counterparts are plotting in winning each other’s lover. For example, Grant plays Devlin. Both the men are in love with the same woman and trust is seen only to come from the wrong one. The film is full of suspicion between characters, and a lot of suspense is generated. In the film “Notorious,” Devlin trains and grooms innocent women to become, as he likes, and this is a sign of love. The tone of the film is that of love as it can be witnessed. For example, there is a scene where a man kisses a woman for a very long time that this kiss records to be the longest in film history. The lead actors are also seen engaging in romance through their dialogue and eye-play as they hold arms for a long time.

Describe a few of the most visually stunning shots?

There are many interesting shots in the film, but others are more stunning than others are. Most of these shots happen the next morning. The hangover struck Alicia awakens, and there Hitchcock shoots a massive foreground close-up of Alka-Seltzer’s glass. This is paired with another foreclose of a gigantic glass of coffee, which contains arsenic later in the film. From Alicia’s point of view, Devlin is in the doorway, with light from behind and upside down. Devlin rotates at an angle of 180 degrees, as Alicia sits up. Suddenly Devlin proposes a spy job to her but she declines to give an excuse that she plans to cruise. In addition, Devlin makes a secret recording of her prove the excuse, which he finds to be genuine despite her tainted image. The recording starts as Alicia is in shadows, then bars of light and finally in full light. The choreography of the visuals is such that they accurately reflect what is taking place.

What are some of the things about the film that impressed you the most?

Some of the impressing things in the film include the instances where Bergman as a patriotic citizen, whose dad is a Nazi spy, is also later recruited by Devlin to spy the spy household led by Sebastian. What is interesting is that Devlin, although, in love with her, he allows her to share the same bed with Sebastian to unwrap his secrets. Moreover, Bergman is ready to do so.