I may be the sole voice of dissent - all that kitsch, Mancini scored, 60s high-jinx left me a bit nauseous. I'm glad I didn't turn it off as I warmed up to it, but I didn't find it thrilling, or funny, or especially romantic (Hepburn is beautiful but she can't do sexy at all, and Grant is handsome but he's also mannered and smug and very long in the tooth here) so as a romantic comedy mystery thriller it didn't really work for me. I get why people love it, but I didn't.
1963's Charade is a lovely vehicle for Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, full of the wit and sophistication many of their films are known for. The dialog crackles. Not to say there's no thriller element, as the violence, while always brief, is surprisingly gruesome, and people lie so much, the paranoia level is actually pretty high for a comedy. As usual, Hepburn can do no wrong, and she even had me buying her sudden May-December romance with Grant on the basis of her flighty, almost Wildean character, the widow of a dead secret agent whose sins are catching up with her, oblivious though she is. I think Wilde is actually a good comparison. We have characters with mutable identities, spouting quotable lines and deeply unaffected by their own tragedies, except in the comic sense. Throw in big names like Matthau, Coburn and Mancini, and George Kennedy as a Bond-worthy Henchman, and real Paris locations, and you've got a delightful entertainment on your hands.
Finally a film by Stanley Donen I really enjoyed. It is a very complete movie, while watching I was worried, I laughed and I didn't really knew what to expect. It's really entertaining, the main characters (and of course the acting) were great.
It's an odd blend of comedy/spy thriller with a few notes of Noir thrown in. It's enjoyable, and the Hepburn/Grant romance works mostly because of the chemistry and script work.
I wouldn't say this is Audrey's best film, but it was entertaining. and it has those four actors amongst my favourite in Walter Matthau, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn & James Coburn :)
The most Hitchcocky film that I have seen that is not directed by Hitchcock. If this was indeed a Hitchcock film, it would be on at least 10 lists and way more recognized - which it deserves. I liked it a lot. Audrey Hepburn is, as usual, stunning and the chemistry between her and the ever handsome Cary Grant was electrifying.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 22
MrE2Me
The best film Hitchcock never made. I defy anyone not to be entertained by this.dyin2live
She is a very trusting person.dombrewer
I may be the sole voice of dissent - all that kitsch, Mancini scored, 60s high-jinx left me a bit nauseous. I'm glad I didn't turn it off as I warmed up to it, but I didn't find it thrilling, or funny, or especially romantic (Hepburn is beautiful but she can't do sexy at all, and Grant is handsome but he's also mannered and smug and very long in the tooth here) so as a romantic comedy mystery thriller it didn't really work for me. I get why people love it, but I didn't.fetzu
This felt like a poor man's Hitchcock.. but I mean that in a good way!akuma587
One of my personal favorites.stefenemie
Such a great genre-bending classic.Siskoid
1963's Charade is a lovely vehicle for Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, full of the wit and sophistication many of their films are known for. The dialog crackles. Not to say there's no thriller element, as the violence, while always brief, is surprisingly gruesome, and people lie so much, the paranoia level is actually pretty high for a comedy. As usual, Hepburn can do no wrong, and she even had me buying her sudden May-December romance with Grant on the basis of her flighty, almost Wildean character, the widow of a dead secret agent whose sins are catching up with her, oblivious though she is. I think Wilde is actually a good comparison. We have characters with mutable identities, spouting quotable lines and deeply unaffected by their own tragedies, except in the comic sense. Throw in big names like Matthau, Coburn and Mancini, and George Kennedy as a Bond-worthy Henchman, and real Paris locations, and you've got a delightful entertainment on your hands.Shidan
Finally a film by Stanley Donen I really enjoyed. It is a very complete movie, while watching I was worried, I laughed and I didn't really knew what to expect. It's really entertaining, the main characters (and of course the acting) were great.DisneyStitch
It's an odd blend of comedy/spy thriller with a few notes of Noir thrown in. It's enjoyable, and the Hepburn/Grant romance works mostly because of the chemistry and script work.george4mon
lots of twists and turns good film!bartleby187
I wouldn't say this is Audrey's best film, but it was entertaining. and it has those four actors amongst my favourite in Walter Matthau, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn & James Coburn :)DynatiaCydonia
To see it is to add it in your favorite list, a must see indeed.i watch movies
One of the best films of all time. Grant is hands down my favorite actor.ohellofriend
Oh for Pete's sake... THIS IS NOT A HITCHCOCK!! It's Donen!Robbimich
The most Hitchcocky film that I have seen that is not directed by Hitchcock. If this was indeed a Hitchcock film, it would be on at least 10 lists and way more recognized - which it deserves. I liked it a lot. Audrey Hepburn is, as usual, stunning and the chemistry between her and the ever handsome Cary Grant was electrifying.Showing items 1 – 15 of 22