Spellbound

While I wouldn't include 'Spellbound' in my top five favourite Alfred Hitchcock movies it's still wonderfully entertaining. Of course it had dated badly in some ways, but not enough to spoil a modern viewer's enjoyment. Psychoanalysis was still quite a cinematic novelty at the time, but this means that we have to put up with an awkward opening sequence, complete with "explanations" on the screen, and a few pretty hokey moments throughout, but hey, I can live with that, and the amateurish filmed skiing scene. These few flaws, quite a rarity for Hitchcock, are still small potatoes. The legendary Salvador Dali designed dream sequence allegedly used very little of the great surrealists outlandish ideas, but even so it's striking and memorable. I also really enjoyed the inventive score by Miklos Rozsa, which utilized the eerie sound of the theremin, later used in the science fiction classic 'The Day The Earth Stood Still', and The Beach Boys psychedelic pop masterpiece 'Good Vibrations'. Now the best thing about 'Spellbound' and what really makes it into a wonderfully entertaining mystery/romance is Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. These two Golden Age superstars are both absolutely wonderful individually, but together they are magical, and one of THE great romantic couples in movie history. 'Spellbound' may not be Hitchcock's very best work, but I still highly recommended it. I can't see how anyone could not enjoy it.

One of the first films in Hollywood to deal with the subject of psychoanalysis, Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound is an expertly crafted psychological thriller that works equally well as a brain teaser for its viewers. It tells the story of a psychiatrist who protects the identity of an amnesia patient, disguised as the new head of a mental asylum, and covers her attempts to recover his memory.

Cleverly directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film is full of twists & turns throughout its runtime and repeatedly plays a dream sequence that toys with viewers' mind like a strong puzzle asking to be solved. Cinematography is a stunning work of film-noir, editing keeps the tension alive from start to finish & thanks to its terrific use of music, it manages to keep the viewers at the age of their seats for the majority of its runtime.

And also worth mentioning are its brilliant performances from Gregory Peck, Michael Chekov & the immensely beautiful Ingrid Bergman amongst whom Bergman impressed me the most for I was completely in awe of her. On an overall scale, Spellbound is a spellbinding tale by the master of suspense that never lets out the entertainment factor for its viewers & keeps them invested in its story with a sense of self-generated curiosity. Highly recommended.

I watched Spellbound for the first time this morning, and overall I was very impressed. While Spellbound is far from his best film, it is in general very well done, and I would definitely watch it again for a number of reasons. Hitchcock's direction is noteworthy, maybe not as tight as it usually is, but still noteworthy. The film is shot with breathtaking black and white cinematography, particularly the scene in the countryside, in fact the only scene where it didn't quite work was in the skiing scene, it looked rushed and a tad too amateurish. On a more positive note, the music score by Miklos Rosza was absolutely outstanding; it is without a doubt one of the best film scores I have ever heard, and in my opinion one of the more memorable scores in any Hitchcock film. From the beautiful sweeping title theme, to some truly haunting parts in especially the scene with the sleepwalking. The final solution is exceedingly clever and unpredictable, and the dream sequence by Salvador Dali while short was essential to the plot and very effective. Speaking of the plot, mixed with psychological nuances and a young doctor's struggles to help her patient/ lover and prove his innocence, has its usual twists and turns and is pretty suspenseful. I will admit some of it is implausible, and the script may just lack the sophistication of the scripts of Hitchcocks like Vertigo or Rebecca, but on the whole it was cleverly crafted. The performances are in general very good; Gregory Peck is disappointingly one-note, but as the beautiful but cold Constance Peterson Sweedish beauty Ingrid Bergman is a revelation. The standout supporting turns come from Michael Chekov as Alex and Leo G. Carroll as Murchison, both add a lot to the film and do very well, and Hitchcock himself makes a cameo. All in all, has its flaws, and is definitely not Hitchcock's best, but I do recommend it. And I do think that along with StageFright it is one of the more undervalued Hitchcock movies. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Good Alfred Hitchcock film in which Ingrid Bergman plays a psychiatrist from a mental hospital with various patients (Norman Lloyd, Rhonda Fleming), along with Leo G. Carroll and other doctors heal them . There comes Gregory Peck replacing former director . But Peck has amnesia and having panic to white color and the lines , then Ingrid falls in love with him , as she uncovers his previous life through Freudian analysis . The picture is based on novel ¨House of Edwards¨ by Bleeding and concerning the psychoanalysis , an usual theme in post-WWII time.

The movie contains thriller , tension , suspense , romance , intrigue , unlimited excitement and plenty of plot twists , as usual in Hitchcock films . Besides , it has a literately witty dialog with distinctive Hitch's touches and writing credits by Ben Hetch (Billy Wilder's habitual writer). There's also an exciting and famous dream sequence by Salvador Dali . Hitch didn't want the ordinary dream images with fog and cloud but he asked David O'Selznick (the famed Hollywood producer) for hire to prestigious surrealist painter Salvador Dali from Spain . Superb performances from main characters , a gorgeous blonde (Hitch later used Grace Kelly , Kim Novak) Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) who would work with Hitchcock in various films (Notorious , Under Capricorn) and the elegant and brilliant Gregory Peck (Paradine trial) as the confuse amnesic , both of whom are frankly well . They are well accompanied by a good support cast , such as : Leo G Carroll, Rhonda Fleming and Norman Lloyd , Hitch' s regular. Sensational black and white cinematography by George Barnes . Dramatic, atmospheric and thrilling musical score by Miklos Rozsa , he won an Academy Award for the excellent score . The flick will appeal to Hitchcock enthusiasts as well as Ingrid Bergman/Gregory Peck fans . Rating : Above average , well worth watching.

Alfred Hitchcock weaves his spell binding magic into this Francis Beeding novel. In some opinions, this is Hitchcock's best project from the 40's. Powerful stars and a great story line keeps your interest until the final shot.

An amnesia patient(Gregory Peck)is believed to be a psychotic killer. Bits and pieces of his memory about a childhood accident makes him believe that he is a murderer. Ingrid Bergman plays a young psychiatrist, who helps Peck unravel his past and regain his memory and mental health. During this process, the lovely doctor tries not to fall in love with her needy patient. She takes him to her old professor(Michael Chekhov) for help. He is reluctant to get involved with solving the mystery to clear the patient's name.

Brilliant camera work and being filmed in black & white really helped the story line. There is an eye opening dream sequence designed by Salvador Dali that is down right mystic.

The strong and talented cast also includes: Regis Toomey, Leo G. Carroll and Rhonda Fleming. This film is worth the time to watch again and again.