In Alfred Hitchcock's Rope, Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgan, driven by their belief in their own intellectual superiority, commit a murder to demonstrate their "perfection." They strangle their former classmate, David Kentley, and hide his body in a chest, using it as a buffet table for a dinner party they host with guests who include David's father, fiancée, and friends.
As the evening progresses, tension mounts as suspicions arise about David’s absence and clues are dropped. Brandon subtly revels in the discussion of murder, while Phillip's unease grows evident. Their former mentor, Rupert Cadell, joins the party and becomes suspicious, eventually uncovering the truth. Confronted with the horror of their actions, Rupert denounces their philosophical justification and calls the police. In the end, as the authorities arrive, the facade of intellect crumbles, leaving behind the chilling reality of their crime.
Rope represents a seminal moment for Alfred Hitchcock. His first color film, the director used several experimental filmmaking techniques for the first time that would reemerge in his greatest films such as Vertigo, The Birds, and Psycho. Filmed in a series of about a dozen long shots, we watch as a reverse whodunit unfolds throughout an evening, tricking the viewer into believing the timeline is more realistic than it is. Stunning film effects and impeccable acting keep the film relevant today and make for a nail-biting thriller.
Using elements from the real-life case of the “genius killers,” Brandon and Phillip examine the fallacy of committing the perfect murder, a claim many killers make only to be caught by a simple mistake. Inviting their loved ones and David’s family into the house immediately after killing him makes for a macabre and satisfying film. Public librarians looking to flesh out Hitchcock or thriller collections should consider Rope before other films. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
- Film and Cinema Studies: As Hitchcock's first color film with innovative techniques, Rope is a significant entry in cinema history. It is appropriate for sections that focus on film analysis, directorial styles, and cinematic experimentation.
- Mystery/Thriller Films: The plot of Rope revolves around a murder and the ensuing suspense during a dinner party, making it ideal for sections devoted to mystery and thriller films.
- Classic Films/Directors: Hitchcock is known for his impact on the film industry, and Rope is a classic example of his work. Libraries with collections that focus on iconic directors or classic films would benefit from including Rope.
- Crime/True Crime: Since Rope draws inspiration from the real-life "genius killers" case, it fits well within a collection that examines crime and the motivations behind criminal acts.