Do not let the year 1948 fool you, Rope is as controversial and disturbing as any movie released ever since. Based on the 1929 play of the same name by Patrick Hamilton, it shows us that subjects like this were mainstream at the beginning of the twentieth century. This is something I’m still grappling with as I was led to believe people were all uptight and nice back then. Just another illusion by the official tribal system of values. Macabre, bizarre, and incredibly intense, this is a movie you simply must check out. It could be the only movie from the forties you’ll ever see. I also want you to pay attention to the relationship between these young men and see if you can pick up on something.
Directed by legendary Alfred Hitchcock, this masterpiece of suspense still manages to be interesting after half of the century. He used the “one continuous shot” thingy, splitting the movie into several 7-minute segments and then seamlessly editing them together. At first, I wanted to talk to you about the story, everything it means, and all that good stuff. However, I changed my mind because I want you to just dive straight into Rope. It’s not only an excellent psychological thriller but also a very thought-provoking movie. Especially when you consider the fact that it was shot just a few years after the end of WWII.
Meet Phillip and Brandon, two strapping young lads who are about to host a party in their luxurious Manhattan penthouse apartment. Soon, the guests start arriving not knowing that these two guys have a secret plan. A very devious, twisted, and horrific plan they want to execute tonight. Welcome to the party.
Unfolding in real-time and in a closed environment, Rope always maintains a safe distance from the viewer. You would think that this thing would come crashing down on you at some point, but this is not that kind of a movie. And yet you will feel like you’re at this fucking party as the tension mounts. This is why Hitchcock is the master of suspense. If you want to continue in the same direction, check out Dial M For Murder, another one of his single location movies. Finally, you should know that Rope is loosely based on real events. I will leave the link for the incident after the review but I urge you to check it only after you’ve seen the movie. Enjoy.
The true story behind Rope: Leopold and Loeb
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Cedric Hardwicke
Fun Facts: Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s first color movie.
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IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040746/
