Sample Critical Thinking On “Notorious” By Alfred Hitchcock

Shot in 1946, the spy thriller “Notorious” by Alfred Hitchcock is a beautiful love story in the frames of real historic events. The movie is the first mature work of the director where his style and specific features form in the manner of shooting and conveying the message to the audience. “Notorious” was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original screenplay at the 19th Academy Awards in 1947.
The beginning of the movie coincides with the immediate introduction to the main characters, Alicia Huberman and T.R. Devlin. When the audience hears the judgment of the court and the description of the guilty, the camera moves to the beautiful woman surrounded by journalists on every side. The camera accompanies her while she moves, and from the journalists’ questions, it becomes obvious she is the daughter of a Nazi spy. In the next scene, where the spectator finds out she is addicted to alcohol (the scene takes place in Alicia’s house), he is also introduced to the mysterious man – the camera shows him from behind. The man is silent, and Alicia admits she does not know him so the method of not showing his face creates a mystery. It will be mentioned he works for the government only when the police officer salutes him – Alicia and Devlin are riding in the car and are stopped because Alicia is drunk and rides too fast. It seems like the director wants the audience to think so he hints and alludes but does not say anything directly.
The audience starts identifying with and caring about the two lead actors (Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman) after they first kiss. From this point, the audience wishes they stay together but the complicated circumstances need that Alicia does her job and flirts with another man (the member of the Nazi group) while Devlin has to stay in the background. The destiny brought these two people together only for the reason of the spy cooperation, and though they fall in love there is no way back. Still, Devlin expects Alicia will refuse to seduce another man while being in love with Devlin, and Alicia hopes he will prevent her doing this job. But none of them does anything except for blaming each other. They love each other and torture themselves – the audience cannot but sympathize with them.
Though the film is black and white and the film’s mood cannot be presented by the powerful method of color, it still associates with brightness. The action takes place in Rio de Janeiro, the beautiful hot city; Alicia always wears beautiful dresses and sparkling jewellery; most of the scenes are shot in the rich mansion – all these elements create the light tone of the movie. The romantic storyline with a risky and dangerous operation contribute to the film’s unique atmosphere. The audience is sure that nothing bad can happen to Alicia because the handsome and brave Devlin is always by her side so the spy part of the film is not taken too serious – what really bothers the audience is when Devlin is going to tell Alicia he loves her.
“Notorious” is significant for its cinematography, and Alfred Hitchcock is done justice for his skillful shooting methods as well as numerous visually stunning shots. It is very curious that the Production Code of that era had a rule that the kissing scene should not last longer than three seconds. What Hitchcock did was shot a two-and-a-half minute kiss consisting of talking and three second kisses. So the scene in the hotel where the two lovers are first free in expressing their feelings is very beautiful in visual terms. The moment when Devlin speaks on the phone while Alicia kisses him is shot almost from behind but rather close so that the audience feels the intimacy of the two.
Another beautiful shot is the one in Sebastian’s mansion during the party dedicated to his bride. The camera moves from up the stairs down to the hall where Sebastian and Alicia are standing – the audience can see the beautiful interior and rich well-dressed people everywhere. The camera moves down and closer to Alicia’s hand holding the key – a very important element in the movie. This scene is skillfully shot and is visually stunning.
The scene on the horse races is significant for the close-up of the main characters exchanging spy information. Alicia is as always stunning, and Devlin looks very handsome in the light of the day. They practically don’t look at each other pretending they are only discussing the race but in fact, it is a planned meeting and they must be cautious. The scene is very special because after discussing work, their dialogue turns into a sarcastic exchange of utterances. They are both jealous and accuse each other of the current situation. When Alicia looks through binocular, the audience sees the reflection of the horse races while the lovers continue to blame each other. Visually, this effect is impressive.
“Notorious” is a perfect combination of all the elements necessary for creating a fabulous movie – it has charismatic actors, intriguing plot, beautiful settings, and an extraordinary cinematography. What impresses me most is a harmonious mix that this film proposes. I adore the couple of Devlin and Alicia – they are one of the most impressive in the history of classic Hollywood. The costume design is also a significant part of the movie because the audience cannot but admire Alicia sparkling in every scene in another beautiful dress. I like the positive atmosphere and the happy ending of the movie – it seems like the couple is finally reunited, they were meant to be together. “Notorious” is highly recommended for watching in order to enjoy a true work of art and find out where Hitchcock’s style was first formed.