Reviews of Saboteur
Displaying all 2 reviews
Tony Pauletto
23Nov09
This odd thriller is riddled with plotholes and dated by its overly-patriotic themes, but Saboteur still has moments of gripping suspense and impactful cinematography thanks to Hitchcock’s unfaultering genius behind the camera. The larger faults are in the script, where the wrongfully accused Barry Kane has encounters with highly enlightened human oddities (blind folks and circus freaks) who identify with his rejection. These sequences are ungraceful and only provide some overworked symbolism that isn’t befitting the political thriller outline. The beautifully executed inciting incident provides a tapestry of clues and events that could formulate an intelligent plot, but instead they are abandoned and the story is widdled down into the thinly motivated persuit of one man, the saboteur. The acting isn’t too hot either, minus the eerie antogonist. Saboteur is a weakling, but in the end saved by Hitchcock’s visual effects and devices of suspense.
- Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
Sam Cooper
7Jun09
Another decent thriller from Hitchcock. Many people don’t seem to dig his earlier work, but I like the B-quality to it. Saboteur is no different from any of his previous work (minus Rebecca), as it is another “upright citizen who stumbles upon a dastardly conspiracy.” Sure the plot is littered with holes, and the dialogue is the hokiest of hokey, but I guess I have a soft spot for such things.
Two strapping young lads work in a factory, until a fire bursts out and kills one of said lads, and all leads point to a fictitious man who isn’t even employed there. Chases occur, much hiding ensues, the usual Hitchcockian shit goes down. And, as usual, everyone remains calm in the most daring of situations. LIke I said, it’s pure grade B-rated cheese at its finest. I wouldn’t venture out of your own way to see this, but if you enjoy Hitchcock (as I do), and you’re curious to see his older work, check it.
- Currently 3.0/5 Stars.