Many modern film viewers seem ignorant towards the classic films of the past. They complain about how old they are or that there not in color. One thing though that even modern film fans can not denied is the brilliance and genius of Alfred Hitchcock. He is one of the very few film directors whose popularity has transcended generations and has been entertaining film goers for the last eighty years. No matter the decade or era Hitchcock’s films still seem to be fresh and darkly interesting. Even if you do not care for older films I guarantee that you can find at least one Hitchcock film that you will love. One that I have always been fascinated by is his slick 1951 thriller Strangers on a Train. This may not be the most famous of Hitchcock thrillers but it certainly is one of his most appealing. It is an effective and playful thriller that has some great Hitchcock humor mixed into it.
The film begins as tennis pro Guy Haines, Farley Granger, is riding on a train from Washington to New York. While on the train Guy is confronted by a stranger named Bruno Anthony, Robert Walker. The noisy and strange Bruno insist on talking to Guy and begins to makes Guy feel uncomfortable. Soon they begin to talk more openly about their lives and there problems. Guy explains that he is heading back to his home town to get a divorce from his cheating wife so he could marry his true love Anne. Bruno tells Guy about how he hates his father and how he wants him to go away. Soon Bruno realizes that they both have someone in their lives that they would want to just go away. With this realization Bruno then suggest the unthinkable to Guy. He suggests that Guy should kill his father and that he should kill Guy’s wife for him. They would swap murders so neither crime could be traced back to either of them. Guy hears this and thinks Bruno is crazy but agrees to the plan thinking Bruno is only joking. The two men part ways and the next day Guy’s wife is found murdered in an amusement park. Guy is shocked and now has some real problems. On one hand he has the police who suspect him of the murder and he also now has to deal with crazy Bruno who now wishes for Guy to fulfill his part of the deal by killing his father. Guy naturally disagrees with the idea and must find a way to prove his innocence and escape the insane plans of Bruno Anthony.
This film’s plot sounds slightly contrived or even improbable but that does not really matter. I don’t think as a viewer you are supposed to take this film completely serious. In many places it has a dark sense of humor and does not get too serious. Then on the other hand it also has eerie scenes of suspense and thrills. It is actually a healthy mix of both a tight crime thriller as well features some subtle comedy touches. The script is actually well written with sharp monologue with sinister touches dashed in. The script is co written by the legendary crime writer Raymond Chandler so it has plenty of bite to it.
One note of praise I just have to give is to Robert Walker in his hypnotic performance as the menacing and insane Bruno Anthony. Walker brings a kind of charm and swagger to his role of a murdering sociopath. Yes, Bruno is the bad guy but he is too interesting to hate him. He gives sinister and strangely funny speeches through out the film with an evil ease. Speeches like “Everyone has somebody that they want to put out of the way. Oh now, surely Madam, you're not going to tell me that there hasn't been a time that you didn't want to dispose of someone. Your husband, for instance” are delivered perfectly by Walker. Walker is so good in this with his evil charm that he is easily one of the greatest villains of all Hitchcock films. Walker stands alone in this film and undoubtedly gives the best performance of the film. Sadly this was also Walker’s last screen performance because the next year in 1952 he dies of an allergic reaction to medication at age 33. Walker was a talented actor who I would have enjoyed to see more of.
Now this film would almost be nothing with out the monumental talent of the amazing Alfred Hitchcock. He brings his brand of style and wit that is like really no other director. In this film he sets a fast pace along with a stylish visual style that made him so famous. When watching a Hitchcock film it is striking to see just how daring and innovative he is with the camera. Hitchcock would use shots and techniques that no one else had used then. His visionary style can be seen all over this film. A scene like the murder of Guy’s wife where the entire murder is seen through the reflection of her glasses is just visually perfect. Not one little detail ever seems to escape the eye of Hitchcock and his films only benefit from his meticulous planning. His style is just second to none and unmistakably noticeable. Hitchcock's films are based in a kind of hyper reality that is more cinematic than realistic. Hitchcock’s films were never really about plot but about style and amazing thrills. The plot is simply a set up for Hitchcock to wow us with out of this world thrills. In almost every one of his films he was really more worried about keeping his audience guessing than anything else. The film’s of Hitchcock were not message films and focused more on subjects examining the dark side of the human species like crime and murder
This film is just plain and simply great. Strangers on a Train is a well paced and darkly funny thriller that is just a blast to watch. It is one of Hitchcock’s best but does not get the same amount of love as let’s say Vertigo or Psycho but deserves its own praise. Hitchcock is one of those directors that no matter what he makes it is impressive in at least some facet. Many people say they do not like older films but even if you are one of those people, I defy you to not like at least one Hitchcock film. This is certainly an excellent Hitchcock film to start out with.
4/4 Stars
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