North by Northwest (1959)

Today I knocked another old film off my list by watching North by Northwest. This is a spy thriller about an advertising exec who gets all mixed up in Cold War spy business when he's mistaken for a secret agent by the enemies. This film was rated extremely highly on IMDB so I figured I had to see it. It also has that scene of Carey Grant running away from an airplane that is so recognizable, and I just had to know the circumstances. The plane is coming fast, so if you want to know my thoughts, you'll have to jump for it!


The story in this film only works if you are willing to believe the insane series of coincidences, followed by some pretty crazy reactions to the circumstances because of it. There isn't anything more to it than Roger Thornhill (Carey Grant) being mistaken as a spy. From then on he just keeps digging himself in deeper in a cat and mouse game that could easily mean his life. I really don't know why he didn't just let it go a few times. Oh right, he meets a beautiful woman (Eva Marie Saint) who only he can save.

Not sure where you're running to...

While I did like the spy fiction and the bit of amateur investigative work he did to find out more, it still really seemed like he was just bumbling through the whole thing. He was so clearly in over his head, but of course as the leading male he was always acting as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Maybe it's just that the film is so old, but it really just seems to lack a lot of common sense sometimes.

As far as the acting goes, it was good enough. The script binds the characters to their silly decisions and ways of going about things, but the acting still seemed good. Now I've never actually seen Carey Grant in anything else as far as I know, so I don't know if he really brought this character to life, or if he just acted the way he always does. I guess I just didn't really like the Roger Thornhill character that much. On the other hand, I quite liked Eva Marie Saint as Eve Kendall, the woman who at first protects his secret when they meet on a train. It doesn't take long for Roger Thornhill's charming ways and silver tongue to sweep her off her feet though, and they spend the night together. Other than falling for some very dated lines that were kinda awful, I thought she was a strong woman and was a cool character. Too bad she fell for this guy. I guess I can't really blame her, considering all the events of the movie. This guy who has no idea what he's doing basically comes in like some hero and saves the day.

Things quickly heat up. Honestly, I don't see it.

The film actually has some special effects that I bet were pretty advanced for the time. This might be a bit of a spoiler, but the final set piece takes place on the faces of Mt. Rushmore. The camera frequently will show wide shots of the monument and you'll see the people climbing around on it as they try to get away. The thing is, while I'm sure this was very advanced for the time, and when I first saw it I was surprised they were kinda pulling it off, the effect is REALLY dated. Honestly, it kinda sticks out like a sore thumb now. Yes, there were moments when it seemed to work, but more often than not it looked super fake, and obvious how they did it.

I can't think of much else to say. Some of the situations were fun, and overall I was able to enjoy the movie, but I definitely don't think it's as good as IMDB says it is. I think this is a case of a film being rated high just because it's thought of as a classic. The thing about classics, is that usually they're timeless, and are just as good now as they were then. North by Northwest just seemed a little too silly for me, which is a problem when it takes itself so seriously. Everything is just too convenient and there are so many coincidences it's a little crazy. Take it as you will, but I think this film will end up being pretty forgettable for me.