This early (1936) British Hitchcock film is, unlike many of his slightly earlier films, a completely matured talkie - with few silent film conventions and an economical, consistent pace. Based on a Joseph Conrad story - The Secret Agent - Sabotage presents us with an Eastern European terrorist living in London with his unsuspecting British wife and her young brother (Tester). Why Mr. Verloc (Homolka) commits increasingly violent acts of Sabotage is never explained, but he has drawn the attention of a neighbor (Loder) whose interest seems to be mainly in Verloc's young wife (Sydney).
Of the four principal cast members, Sylvia Sydney is the strongest and most memorable. Her character is the primary focus of the film and she is entirely believable and sympathetic. Her young brother, Stevie, is also fine. Personally, I found Loder a little annoying as the nosy neighbor.
Sabotage has its brutal moments, and gives us a nice sample of Hitchcock's trademark suspense and subtle but experimental camera flourishes. On a few occasions, we are privy to grief-driven hallucinations and hallucinatory fantasies experienced by the characters . And the climax - Stevie's delivery - is a work of brilliance. There are quite a few signature Hitchcock close-ups and a few nicely integrated experimental sequences involving cartoons and films within the film.
Great film for Hitchcock and Conrad fans. Recommended, though less vehemently, for the average connoisseur.
Of the four principal cast members, Sylvia Sydney is the strongest and most memorable. Her character is the primary focus of the film and she is entirely believable and sympathetic. Her young brother, Stevie, is also fine. Personally, I found Loder a little annoying as the nosy neighbor.
Sabotage has its brutal moments, and gives us a nice sample of Hitchcock's trademark suspense and subtle but experimental camera flourishes. On a few occasions, we are privy to grief-driven hallucinations and hallucinatory fantasies experienced by the characters . And the climax - Stevie's delivery - is a work of brilliance. There are quite a few signature Hitchcock close-ups and a few nicely integrated experimental sequences involving cartoons and films within the film.
Great film for Hitchcock and Conrad fans. Recommended, though less vehemently, for the average connoisseur.