As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema and particularly espionage films, I must say that North by Northwest remains unparalleled, even 65 years after its release. Having watched this masterpiece multiple times, I can confidently assert that it is not only a timeless classic but also a blueprint for modern spy films.
Placed between “Vertigo” (1958) and “Psycho” (1960), Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 spy thriller “North by Northwest” often receives less contemporary acclaim than the other two, but it is perhaps his most groundbreaking work within its genre. Filled with poignant intimacy and unforgettable moments, it stands as one of Hitchcock’s most emotionally resonant films, and its concept sprung from a sense of urgency.
Despite the fact that Vertigo impressed critics, it left audiences puzzled, prompting Hitchcock to create another film that would resonate with the public. At the same time, screenwriter Ernest Lehman aspired to establish his own reputation and promised to write “the ultimate Hitchcock movie,” so these two collaborators joined forces, resulting in a true masterpiece.
As a passionate cinephile, I recall that initially, North by Northwest might have appeared as just another typical Hitchcock espionage film, reminiscent of The 39 Steps. However, unbeknownst to us at the time, this movie would pave the way for the James Bond franchise in a significant manner. Fast forward three years, and Dr. No graced our screens, marking the beginning of numerous other Bond adventures.
Although the movies were based on Ian Fleming’s novels, they bore a striking resemblance to Alfred Hitchcock’s spy thrillers. From the characters and settings, everything exudes an air of Bond, and if Hitchcock were alive today and in financial need, he might consider filing a lawsuit for royalties.
What Is North by Northwest About?
The movie “North by Northwest” features Cary Grant playing Roger Thornhill, a man living tranquilly as an ad executive who unwittingly gets entangled in a dangerous net of espionage and crime. Thornhill’s peaceful life takes a turn when he is seized by the devious Phillip Vandamm, who believes him to be a secret agent named Kaplan. Vandamm plans to eliminate Thornhill by staging a fatal car accident under the influence of alcohol. Remarkably, Thornhill manages to survive and flee, finding himself in a frantic pursuit across America, where he serves as both pursuer and pursued.
After struggling to make his mother and the police believe what had occurred, Thornhill decides to investigate who the true Kaplan really was on his own. It’s later discovered that there was no such individual, instead, Kaplan was a covert agent fabricated by the United States Intelligence Agency as a ruse against Vandamm. The agency leaders were aware of this deception but opted not to intervene for fear of jeopardizing their operation. As time passed and Thornhill’s situation grew increasingly dire, he found himself needing to rely on his natural ingenuity and unyielding determination to stay alive. However, it remained uncertain whether these qualities would be enough to save him from harm.
Onboard the 20th Century Limited train heading to Chicago, he encounters the striking Eve Kendall, portrayed by the captivating Eve Marie Saint. Overwhelmed by her radiant charm, they soon develop a connection that rapidly matures into romance. However, with their contrasting personalities, one might wonder if their feelings can endure?
As Thornhill grows increasingly intrigued by her due to her alleged acquaintance with Kaplan, he learns she is actually collaborating with Vandamm. Heart-stricken, he persists in his pursuit of Kaplan and discovers an unexpected complication: Kendall, too, turns out to be a U.S. agent assigned to penetrate Vandamm’s organization. Despite the search for truth proving tougher than anticipated, Thornhill presses on and eventually arrives at a stunning revelation. In the end, events lead to a dramatic climax at Mount Rushmore and Vandamm’s estate, resulting in his arrest following a series of shocking developments.
North by Northwest Has Bond DNA All Over It
Similar to Bond, Roger Thornhill exhibits a knack for resourcefulness and has an affinity for women that’s unabashed, showing no remorse or embarrassment. He never stumbles in his flirtatious endeavors, and possesses enough stylish suits to fit right into the world of Mad Men. His drink of choice is a martini, often enjoyed on five separate occasions. His love interest, Eve Kendall, is as playful as your typical Bond girl and harbors numerous secrets.
In addition to this, we encounter the antagonist, Vandamm. He’s a wealthy man, much like a typical Bond villain, who’s after a valuable item – in this instance, a microfilm. If you add in the action-packed fight and chase scenes, it certainly feels as if Hitchcock crafted the first James Bond film. Swap Thornhill for an MI6 agent, and you’ve got a movie that could easily pass for a standard James Bond adventure.
The connections extend beyond fundamental aspects. Notably, the second James Bond film, “From Russia With Love,” borrows an element reminiscent of the helicopter chase in “North by Northwest.” Just as Thornhill manages to evade a propeller plane in a crop-dusting scenario, Bond finds himself eluding pursuit from a chopper piloted by SPECTRE operatives.
As a cinephile stepping into the realm of film critique, I must say that Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece stands out for its unique blend of suspense and intrigue – all set against the backdrop of a train journey. Over the decades, trains have been an integral part of James Bond’s adventures, and this film is no exception.
Producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman drew inspiration from the film “North by Northwest” when casting for the first Bond movie. In his memoirs, Cubby Broccoli shared that he attempted to convince Cary Grant to take on the role of Agent 007. Given that Grant was a British-American, it seemed like a perfect fit. However, negotiations were challenging as Grant adhered to a policy of not participating in sequels, which contradicted the multi-picture deal being offered.
Fleming, just like many others, appreciated the movie. However, Robert Sellers’ book, “The Battle for Bond“, reveals that the author enjoyed most aspects of it, but found the humor a bit overpowering compared to the suspense. Interestingly, this same humor would later become a defining feature of the Bond series. So captivated was Fleming by the movie that he mentioned it in his novel “Thunderball“, which he penned in 1960. In Chapter 9, the SPECTRE agent Giuseppe Petacchi, while attempting to hijack a Vindicator aircraft, muses about it, hinting at Fleming’s reference to the film.
There are five more hours left. I’m really looking forward to watching ‘North by Northwest’ at the Odeon, but I won’t be able to make it. However, I can catch it later in Southampton.
Without a doubt, Bond films may well have taken on a distinctly different tone if Alfred Hitchcock hadn’t set the initial template. They might not have been as engaging without the right blend of suspenseful and humorous elements. Here’s to thanking Thornhill, Kendall, and Vandamm for contributing to that balance.
65 Years Later, North by Northwest Remains the Quintessential Spy Film
Although North by Northwest may be considered old, it remains timeless and lacks the feeling of being outdated. Many excellent spy movies have been produced since then, but few can rival the quality of Hitchcock’s masterpiece. Despite inspiring the excessive Bond films, North by Northwest portrays a more authentic and grounded depiction of espionage.
In the movie, espionage is shown as relying heavily on confidentiality and misdirection. Rather than revealing a genuine agent who could become a target for villains, the agency introduces a decoy to lead them astray. Furthermore, they prioritize plausible deniability, meaning it’s better for an individual to risk their life than for the entire operation to be exposed.
In a departure from typical slow-burn spy flicks that can challenge casual viewers’ focus, Alfred Hitchcock offered something distinctly different by serving up an abundance of suspense and action to engage audiences. The Mount Rushmore chase and the crop duster sequence are indelible images in film history, while the romantic storyline is delicately handled without a hint of misogyny – even for the 1960s – and culminates with an unforgettable train scene.
Future Bond scriptwriters ought to continue imitating this style, and when selecting the next actor, it’s crucial to keep in mind that outstanding performers can either elevate or undermine a film. Choose an actor with the same vitality as Cary Grant, and the outcome will be successful.
North by Northwest
is available to rent in the US on Apple TV+
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2024-09-12 01:32