Not surprisingly, the movies certainly controversial.
Still, it is widely regarded as oneof his most underrated"in an extensive filmography.
While it is not considered one ofHitchcocks best,it too has its partisans.
Image by Federico Napoli
But the main reasonMarnieis an uncomfortable watch today is Hitchcock’s alleged treatment of his leading ladyfollowing hisunrequited feelings.
What Is Marnie About?
Hitchcock describedMarnieas a sex mysteryin which the man and the woman are hunter and hunted, respectively.
Image via Universal Pictures
She is also deeply afraid of sex and men: they represent a loss of control for her.
Hitchcock was coming off the enormous success ofPsychoandThe Birds, and expectations were high for another hit.
Connerys image was one of a man of action.
Image via Universal
Here,we have Connery in adrawing-room role.
He doesnt even ride a horse like almost everyone else in the film.
The big emotions dont come until the end, and there are few moments of romantic and sexual expression.
Still,Connerys performance is skilled and compelling.
His fascination with Marnie is intriguing within the framework that Hitchcock built, and he plays it well.
The star’s unexpected encounter with a violent gangster has become the stuff of Hollywood legend.
Image via Universal Pictures
Under this cloud,Marniewas made, with the director and female star speaking only through intermediaries.
Needless to say, tensions were high, work on the movie was awkward.
The making ofMarnieand the story of Hitchcocks pursuit of Hedren is dramatized in the2012 HBO filmThe Girl.
Image via Universal Pictures
If it is not great, it is at least very good.
Connery helps make it very, very good.
How Does Marnie Compare to Hitchcock’s More Notable And Iconic Works?
Marnie, a troubled woman with a penchant for stealing, is blackmailed into marriage by her latest employer, Mark Rutland, who discovers her criminal past. As Mark tries to uncover the reasons behind Marnie’s behavior, deep psychological scars and dark secrets from her past are revealed, leading to a suspenseful and emotional climax.
Most especially, Marnie’s panic-triggering red gladiolas and red ink spots flashback toSpellbound’s amnesia-triggering ski tracks.
Even the stable scenes inMarnierecall similar scenes inVertigo.
What Is Marnies Legacy Today?
Over time, as it has been reappraised,Marniehas grown in importance and stature.
It represents a transition point in his career from hard-to-define unknown to serious actor and leading man.
Marnieis currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
WATCH ON NETFLIX
