'Above Suspicion' was another example of a film that had a lot going for it. Love pre-1970s classic film of all decades and genres, and most of all the cast consists of hugely talented people. Seeing Basil Rathbone and Conrad Veidt in anything is always a joy and both Joan Crawford and Fred MacMurray have given many great films. It was very interesting to see how they would fare together in the same film. The story sounded intriguing and Richard Thorpe was always a competent, if not always distinguished, director.
Having watched it, 'Above Suspicion' could have been better, much better. Was kind of expecting a great film with the amount of potential it had going for it, hope this is not coming over as horrible, but it turned out to be a quite good one on the whole with a lot of fine merits which is actually still a good position to be in. Can definitely see why a good number of people liked it and why it didn't work for others, because there are things that would have made it far worse than quite good (perhaps average or below) if in lesser hands and without those fine merits. For all its flaws though, 'Above Suspicion' is worth a watch.
What stops 'Above Suspicion' from being a great film is that to me some of the second half could have been executed better. It does slacken in pace and it does get increasingly implausible and silly towards the end to the point of credulity straining. Culminating in the film's biggest flaw (again personal opinion), which is the ending which doesn't ring true for a second and is something of a head scratcher.
It is interesting seeing Crawford and MacMurray together and there is some wit and tension between them. To me, the chemistry between the two characters didn't quite gel.
Something that is a bit of a shame, because actually Crawford and MacMurray are both very good in the roles. Particularly Crawford, whose performance is committed while also controlled and compared to other performances of hers in a way muted. MacMurray has both intensity and charm, always commanding the screen. They are more than complemented by the supporting cast, with notable contributions from an against type Veidt, charmingly dynamic in his final film, and especially a marvellously sinister Rathbone (no stranger to playing villains and he sure knew how to play them well). As well as the main interest point, as one can guess it is the performances of the cast that is 'Above Suspicion's' main saving grace.
Thorpe's direction is some of his slickest and the film is stylish and atmospheric visually. The script is taut and provides plenty of escapism without being heavy-handed or out of kilter lightweight. The story much of the time is involving with some nice suspense and thrills, which is why it is frustrating that it loses its way later.
Concluding, quite good and enjoyable, wish it was better though. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Having watched it, 'Above Suspicion' could have been better, much better. Was kind of expecting a great film with the amount of potential it had going for it, hope this is not coming over as horrible, but it turned out to be a quite good one on the whole with a lot of fine merits which is actually still a good position to be in. Can definitely see why a good number of people liked it and why it didn't work for others, because there are things that would have made it far worse than quite good (perhaps average or below) if in lesser hands and without those fine merits. For all its flaws though, 'Above Suspicion' is worth a watch.
What stops 'Above Suspicion' from being a great film is that to me some of the second half could have been executed better. It does slacken in pace and it does get increasingly implausible and silly towards the end to the point of credulity straining. Culminating in the film's biggest flaw (again personal opinion), which is the ending which doesn't ring true for a second and is something of a head scratcher.
It is interesting seeing Crawford and MacMurray together and there is some wit and tension between them. To me, the chemistry between the two characters didn't quite gel.
Something that is a bit of a shame, because actually Crawford and MacMurray are both very good in the roles. Particularly Crawford, whose performance is committed while also controlled and compared to other performances of hers in a way muted. MacMurray has both intensity and charm, always commanding the screen. They are more than complemented by the supporting cast, with notable contributions from an against type Veidt, charmingly dynamic in his final film, and especially a marvellously sinister Rathbone (no stranger to playing villains and he sure knew how to play them well). As well as the main interest point, as one can guess it is the performances of the cast that is 'Above Suspicion's' main saving grace.
Thorpe's direction is some of his slickest and the film is stylish and atmospheric visually. The script is taut and provides plenty of escapism without being heavy-handed or out of kilter lightweight. The story much of the time is involving with some nice suspense and thrills, which is why it is frustrating that it loses its way later.
Concluding, quite good and enjoyable, wish it was better though. 7/10 Bethany Cox