I Confess (1953)

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1. 

   dondyarizona

   I didn't knew Hitchcock could be this religiously good. And there isn't one list for this beauty? Blasphemy. 11 years 2 months ago
2. 

   DisneyStitch

   It's relatively simple as far as Hitchcock thrillers go, but he does a masterful job here. Montgomery Clift was a good casting choice, he truly *looks* like a priest and pulls it off well. 7 years 2 months ago
3. 

   Siskoid

   I confess that I Confess held more interest than it actually does for me because it's shot in Quebec. I surmise the story needed a strong Catholic setting, and Quebec in the 50s certainly corresponds to that definition. I don't think the location is THAT well used - what's the point of the climax taking place inside Frontenac? - but it's distinctive and unusual, and though the accents are all over the place, the local day players sound perfect. This is another of Hitchcock's "falsely accused man" movies, the twist being that the priest who gets accused of murder knows who did it, but refuses to break the seal of the confessional. He's an unusual hero who would rather stick to his principles than cleverly loophole himself out of the situation (though in the end, sort of does, but it's not really played that way). There's also an impropriety with a married woman that confuses things. But while it's an intriguing take on the suspense thriller, Hitchcock feels very restrained. There are moments - the opening noir sequence, the moment the killer suddenly starts to sweat and threatens the priest - but the latter's passive resolve keeps the story from achieving many thrills, and the resolution hinges on a moment of panic rather than anything the heroes do. It's almost better if you don't know who directed it, as comparisons may lead to disappointment. 4 years 7 months ago

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