Charade is directed by Stanley Donen, but is often referred to as "the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made"- and for obvious reason. The opening titles are very similar to those in Vertigo, while the cinematography and Donen's direction are both somewhat reminiscent of films like Rear Window and North by Northwest.
I can't even begin to say how much I enjoyed watching this film. I think it's definitely Donen's finest work as a director and one of both Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn's best films.
Grant and Hepburn both delivered marvelous performances. Anyone who doesn't like Audrey Hepburn's acting should really give this film a try before judging her only by Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady (Both of which are films I dislike.) The chemistry they had together is part of what really makes Charade a wonderful movie, and I really wish they had worked together more than once.
Screenwriter Peter Stone deserved an Oscar for the script. Every bit of dialogue is both witty and clever. I can honestly say that the story kept me guessing throughout the whole film and I was genuinely surprised by the ending (which I won't spoil).
Charade is among my picks of the best thrillers of all time, and one of the best films to come out of the nineteen-sixties. I'm willing to bet that any Hitchcock (or classic film) fan would enjoy this gem from Stanley Donen.
5/5 stars
Academy Awards, 1964:
Best Music, Original Song Nominee
