This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 275! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, last night I decided to check out this old-school classic, “Strangers on a Train,” directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. If you haven’t checked out this masterpiece, you’re in for a treat, or maybe something more sinister. I mean, who knew that a simple chat on a train could spiral into such madness? Seriously, if you ever think your commute is rough, think again.
Alright, let’s set the scene. The movie kicks off with two strangers meeting on a train—hence the title. We have Guy Haines (played by Farley Granger) who’s a rising tennis star juggling a complicated love life, and Bruno Antony (portrayed by Robert Walker) who’s, let’s just say, one twisted character. You know how sometimes you joke about swapping problems with someone? Yeah, Bruno is very serious about that. He suggests they “exchange murders” to solve each other’s problems. Like, who even thinks like that?
Guy, being a normal person, thinks it’s all a dark, weird joke and laughs it off. But Bruno? Oh, he’s dead serious (pun intended). Next thing you know, Guy’s estranged wife Miriam ends up murdered, and Bruno expects Guy to hold up his end of this grisly bargain. Wow, talk about a casual misunderstanding, right?
I gotta say, the acting in this film is on point. Farley Granger captures the frantic desperation of a guy caught in a nightmarish game perfectly. But Robert Walker? Oh man, he steals the show with his chilling portrayal of Bruno. There’s this scene where he’s lurking at a tennis match, just staring at Guy, and it’s beyond creepy. You get this feeling of dread just oozing through the screen. Hitchcock totally nails the suspense there.
And let’s give some love to the supporting characters. Ruth Roman plays Anne, Guy’s love interest, who gets embroiled in this sinister plot. Also, Patricia Hitchcock, Alfred’s own daughter, makes an appearance and adds a bit of charm to the film. Her role as Barbara, Anne’s witty sister, provides some levity amidst all the tension.
What’s fascinating about this film is Hitchcock’s ability to build suspense through ordinary settings. I mean, who knew a tennis match could be so nerve-wracking? And that merry-go-round scene at the end? Pure genius. It’s almost like Hitchcock was the original master of the “what could possibly go wrong” trope.
Sharing my personal opinion here, but Bruno is one of Hitchcock’s best villains ever. There’s something about his unhinged charm that makes your skin crawl. You almost want to see more of him, which is crazy because he’s, you know, a psychotic murderer. This movie, in all its black-and-white glory, really makes you appreciate how storytelling and character development trump all the flashy CGI we see nowadays.
So yeah, “Strangers on a Train” is a must-watch for any classic film enthusiast. Hitchcock has this magical way of pulling you into the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Plus, there’s something just deliciously wicked about a film where a seemingly random encounter spirals into chaos. If you haven’t seen it yet, let Hitchcock take you on a wild, twisted ride. Who knows, you might just rethink your next friendly chat with a stranger!
Catch you tomorrow!
Roger