STUFF YOU GOTTA WATCH

MARNIE

(1964)
With Tippi Hedren, Sean Connery, Diane Baker, Louise Latham, Martin Gabel, Mariette Hartley, Bruce Dern
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Reviewed by JL

Along with UNDER CAPRICORN, MARNIE is one of the most hotly debated films in Alfred Hitchcock's canon. Some deplore its plot contrivances, artificial-looking sets, naive psychology, and the uncertain peformance of Tippi Hedren -- still a relative newcomer to the screen in a demanding role far beyond her capabilities. Others contend that these so-called shortcomings are precisely what make MARNIE a masterpiece. Admirers would say its contrivance and artifice are intentionally distancing, its simple psychology masks darker hidden desires, and Hedren's performance is appropriately raw and vulnerable. Hitchcock seemed to disown it as soon as he was finished with it, but it's certainly one of the most meticulously crafted films he ever made. I've had both good and bad experiences with it, so don't ask me. ½ - JL