Notorious (1946)
Berucht
Raiting: 
7,8 /10
Genre: Thriller
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains
Country: United States
Release date: 21 August 1946
Length: 101 minutes
"Notorious", directed by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and espionage. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the film tells the story of Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, who is recruited by American agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a group of Nazis in Brazil.
The film opens with Alicia's father being convicted for treason in the United States. Soon after, Alicia, who is notorious for her promiscuous lifestyle, is approached by Devlin to work for the American government. Despite her initial reluctance, Alicia agrees to the assignment after falling in love with Devlin.
Once in Rio, Alicia is tasked with getting close to Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), a friend of her father and a leading member of the Nazi group. Despite her feelings for Devlin, Alicia successfully woos Sebastian, which leads to a proposal of marriage. Devlin is against this plan, but he is overruled by his superiors, and Alicia and Sebastian marry.
After the marriage, Alicia manages to discover that Sebastian and his associates are hiding something in his wine cellar. Risking her life, she steals a key to the cellar and discovers uranium ore hidden in wine bottles, a revelation that confirms the Nazis are working on an atomic bomb.
However, her cover is blown when Sebastian discovers the key is missing. Suspecting Alicia, he slowly starts to poison her to keep the secret safe. As Alicia's health deteriorates, Devlin becomes suspicious and breaks into Sebastian's house to rescue her. In the climactic finale, Devlin carries a semi-conscious Alicia out of the house, revealing her true allegiance to Sebastian.
Ultimately, "Notorious" is a tense and thrilling narrative that showcases Hitchcock's mastery over the suspense genre. With its complex characters, romantic tension, and high-stakes espionage, the film remains a classic in the annals of cinematic history.
Top cast - Notorious (1946)
Trailer - Notorious (1946)
"Notorious", directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a timeless masterpiece that artfully combines elements of romance, suspense, and espionage. The film, set in the aftermath of World War II, is a compelling exploration of love, duty, and betrayal, featuring stellar performances from its lead actors, Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant.
Ingrid Bergman delivers a powerful performance as Alicia Huberman, a woman with a tarnished reputation who is recruited by American agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a group of Nazis in Brazil. Bergman's portrayal of Alicia is nuanced and emotionally charged, effectively capturing the character's internal struggle and vulnerability. Cary Grant, on the other hand, brilliantly plays the stoic and somewhat cold Devlin, a man torn between his duty and his love for Alicia.
The film's narrative is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Hitchcock masterfully builds tension throughout the film, culminating in a suspenseful climax that is both thrilling and satisfying. The romance between Alicia and Devlin is handled with subtlety, adding an emotional layer to the film that enhances the overall narrative.
The film's cinematography is noteworthy, with Hitchcock's use of innovative camera techniques adding to the film's visual appeal. The infamous "kissing scene" between Bergman and Grant, which cleverly circumvented the Hollywood code's restrictions on on-screen kissing, is a testament to Hitchcock's creativity and technical prowess.
However, "Notorious" is not without its flaws. Some viewers might find the film's portrayal of Alicia's promiscuity and subsequent redemption through love somewhat dated. Additionally, the film's depiction of Nazis as villains might feel simplistic to modern audiences, lacking the complexity and nuance of more recent World War II narratives.
In conclusion, "Notorious" is a classic Hitchcock film that showcases the director's mastery of the suspense genre. With its engaging narrative, strong performances, and innovative cinematography, the film stands as a testament to Hitchcock's enduring influence on cinema. Despite its minor flaws, "Notorious" is a must-watch for fans of Hitchcock and classic cinema.