Rent Notorious (1946)

Notorious - a Gripping Thriller - Notorious review by QOW

Midnight is not a good time for me to watch films. In spite of the hour and jet lag, I was totally enthralled by this film. Cary Grant is not so superficially suave and debonair as his later hits and Ingrid Bergman in this complex role is just the right touch of naughty and nice. The dialogue rolls and the intrigue just gets better as the film moves into a tense climax. This is a classic Hitchcock in terms of camera angles, atmospheric shots and anticipation of impending discovery, but it is much more of a romance and the warmth of the central figures gives it a charm that more than overshadows the darkness and threats.

Classic Hitchcock Directed Suspense - Notorious review by JE

Excellently filmed, produced and performed with Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman a True Dynamic Duo at the heart of the film.

it's only a shame that it's not available on Blu-ray but the DVD quality is fine enough, highly recommended.

Romantic Thriller. - Notorious review by Steve

Polished spy thriller with Cary Grant as a CIA operative who runs party-girl Ingrid Bergman undercover in Rio de Janeiro to infiltrate a Nazi spy ring, and then become the wife of one of the prominent members (Claude Rains). It's one of Hitchcock's most critically praised film, particularly in relation to the developing love story between the two stars.

Though... arguably the romance doesn't stand so much scrutiny; the couple share levels of empathy which would shame a sociopath. Grant is willing for Bergman to enter the household of dangerous, scheming Nazis, and then marry one of them. Anything for the flag.

The story pulls in contrary directions. It's easier to suspend disbelief for this as a thriller than an exploration of the human heart. Though no one plays a woman in love as convincingly as the luminous Ms. Bergman. As a work of suspense, it's stunning and a classic example of the director's style.

There are quintessential Hitchcock set pieces. Like the ticking time bomb of the dwindling supply of champagne at a swanky party which compels Claude Rains down to the wine cellar where Cary and Ingrid are... discovering Nazi uranium. And many more! This is style over content. But what style!