Rope

Rope was one wound up film--much like the consistent tension of Psycho, but without the horror. It keeps you wondering whats around the corner, not in a who-may-die-next kind of way, but in the are-they-going-to-get-caught way. The very opening scenes establish a twisted crime scene committed by haughty, bored, rich kids, who are experimenting with murder to prove to themselves (in a Crime and Punishment sort of way) that they are elite: they have the right to kill.
They go a little too far in their quest to prove how intellectually superior they are by inviting certain quests over for a party. The party is filled with family members, and friends of their recent victim who lies in his tomb: a large wooden chess in the living room, the centerpiece of the party, off of which the quests are to eat. The two young men begin to trip up and drop suspicious hints that they are/ have been up to something which draws the morbid attention of their "intellectual equal," Rupert (Stewart).
It was interesting to see Jimmy Stewart in this type of role just a couple years after Its a Wonderful Life. He is cold, direct, and wields a piercing gaze. The man oozes intuition, and is clearly a bit conflicted; but he has his wits about him. Something the two rich kids are proven to be lacking, in the end.

I was surprised to find out that this was Hitchcock's first attempt at color film (chapeau). The use of color was subtle and restrained; it certainly wasn't integral to the film. Although, the flashing hotel sign at the film's end was exquisite. The off and on flashes of green to red contribute to the sinister feeling at the film's finale... it was a nice touch.

I left feeling a bit ambivalent and uneasy after this one; I was impressed with the film, but it got to me. I found myself hoping that the two murderers don't get caught, and was disappointed when they do... I'm not sure what that says about me, (maybe I secretly wish that I would be included in this short list of elitists with the right to kill) but there it is. If Hitchcock's aim was to manipulate my emotions, make me think, and entertain me, then mission accomplished.