Dial M for Murder is your quintessential Alfred Hitchcock thriller. Now it may not be his best work, but it's pretty darn close. The story is engaging, and often quite thrilling. Despite the location of the film being mostly in the single apartment room, the audience never gets the sense of claustrophobia. It takes a tight screenplay and fantastic performances to make a one-room setting movie and it mostly works here. There is one tense murder scene, but I love how the rest of the movie is mostly talk, but somehow does not take away the aura of tension and suspension. The build-up for the justifiable ending is really, really fun to watch, especially since we have to deal with the charm of Ray Milland's character.
Hitchcock's film is about a pro-tennis player named Tony who decides to settle down and be there for his wife. Meanwhile, his wife Margot, had an affair with an American named Mark. One day, Mark comes to visit. As they were going out for the evening, Tony decides to stay at home so he can plot a murder. The murder of his wife. But not all plots go according to the plan .
The acting cannot get much better than this. Ray Milland injects his character with such charm, and one can see why people never suspected him of murder or blackmail. His charm even won me over despite me knowing exactly what is going on. Also, Grace Kelly delivers a magnificent performance. Her performance during the murder scene should have alone nominated her for an Oscar. Robert Cummings does a fine job as the man at the other end of the love triangle, Mark. Finally, I have to mention John William's fine performance as the police inspector who little-by-little pieces together the hidden clues.
Overall, this is a film that shows why Hitchcock is the master of thrillers. He takes such simple stories and turns them into twisting tales that pierces the heart with thrills and dread. Despite a one-location, talkative movie, my heart kept on churning wondering what was going to happen next. I love how Alfred Hitchcock pays close attention to stuff like the keen details, the small camera movements to further enhance the audience sense of terror. This is a really captivating thriller thanks to amazing performances, a tight screenplay, and wonderful directing.
My Grade: A
Hitchcock's film is about a pro-tennis player named Tony who decides to settle down and be there for his wife. Meanwhile, his wife Margot, had an affair with an American named Mark. One day, Mark comes to visit. As they were going out for the evening, Tony decides to stay at home so he can plot a murder. The murder of his wife. But not all plots go according to the plan .
The acting cannot get much better than this. Ray Milland injects his character with such charm, and one can see why people never suspected him of murder or blackmail. His charm even won me over despite me knowing exactly what is going on. Also, Grace Kelly delivers a magnificent performance. Her performance during the murder scene should have alone nominated her for an Oscar. Robert Cummings does a fine job as the man at the other end of the love triangle, Mark. Finally, I have to mention John William's fine performance as the police inspector who little-by-little pieces together the hidden clues.
Overall, this is a film that shows why Hitchcock is the master of thrillers. He takes such simple stories and turns them into twisting tales that pierces the heart with thrills and dread. Despite a one-location, talkative movie, my heart kept on churning wondering what was going to happen next. I love how Alfred Hitchcock pays close attention to stuff like the keen details, the small camera movements to further enhance the audience sense of terror. This is a really captivating thriller thanks to amazing performances, a tight screenplay, and wonderful directing.
My Grade: A