Spellbound

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Han S Apr 19, 2019 A very peculiar Hitch film. The Salvador Dali influences severely enhance the dreamlike quality throughout it, and Bergman is astonishing to watch. There's a little too much to absorb from one viewing but I think it stands out quite a bit in Hitchcock's filmography, even with a lot of typical macguffins you expect, the performances and psychoanalytic sequences feel way ahead of its time. See more

Theodore M Mar 28, 2019 Alfred Hitchcock directed film from 1945. In this mystery psychoanalysis is at the forefront in a murder mystery of an eminent doctor. The doctor (Edwardes) is supposedly set to take over a psychoanalysis clinic as its director. He supposedly appears in the guise of the actor Gregory Peck. Quite young looking for such an eminent doctor. It later emanates that the supposed Dr. Edwardes is an impersonator as such. Get it?! The Peck character seemingly genuinly does not know how he is impersonating the doctor. How, why etc. At this point the character of a fellow young psychoanalyst Dr. Constance Peterson (Ingrid Bergman) takes centre stage in the plot as she tries to help the fake Edwardes solve the mystery. The film is not the best Hitchcock film I have watched but is still more watchable than many recent films! Peterson helps solve the mystery of fake Edwardes, real name John Ballantyne and what happened to the real Dr. Edwardes. She is aided by her old mentor and his methods including inducing the dreams of Ballantyne. Hence follows a dream sequence more befitting of a James Bond title sequence/pop video. The sequence designed by Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. It features eyeballs, and a 'scantily clad lady in a gambling room....' As with many Hitchcock films I have found some scenes take place on the railway and in this film the setting of Grand Central Station in New York. There are better Hitchcock films but even so worthy of a viewing when you can see it. See more

Theodore P Jan 19, 2019 This Hitchcock is too heavy on the romance, but the premis is interesting. Even the much talked about dream sequence is too short to have any great impact. Has the odd Hitchcock touch here and there but on the whole a pretty dull affair. See more

Albus L Jan 12, 2019 This is a novel film about the subconscious. It starts slowly but finds ways to bring out the suspense and mystery. Bergman and Peck have undeniable chemistry. My favourite scene is a stunning piece of cinematography: Peck's drinking of milk, seen from the perspective of the drinker. This is the only Miklos Rozsa collaboration with Hitchcock, which is a shame because no one does epic quite like Rozsa. If you like the music, you should listen to the piano concerto based on Spellbound. See more

Theodore R Nov 20, 2018 It could perhaps be tighter but I really love this film and I love the whole David O' Selznick period of Hitchcock's work. Where at times the plot may be a little clunky it is completely blown away by the central pairing of Bergman and Peck and some of the breathtaking visuals and camera tricks. Hitchcock is just having so much fun in this picture and it really lifts the entire film, the doors opening in Bergman's mind is my particular favourite. See more

Albus M Nov 20, 2018 Marvellous direction, music and acting along with a suspenseful, intriguing plot and incredible set piece scenes make this yet another Hitchcock classic. Also features a dream sequence created by Salvador Dali. See more

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Spellbound

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