July 10, 2022
The key to H’s films is less suspense than sexuality.
His suspense always carries a sexual charge in way that are obvious or esoteric.
Sexual relationship in his work are based on power, obsession with power and dread of impotence
Shadow of Doubts: its sexuality that cracks the family apart.
In Amer films from Notorious to Psycho: unsatiated sensuality, heavy patting, frustrating coldness, emotional relief
The heavy pettingin Notorious, North, suggests frustrating coldness, intercourse with neither orgasm or emoional relief.
H eveolved with time
H first treated sex and violence indirectly, then in stylized representation, finally with graphic directness.
Link between theft and sex
To Catch a Thief: comically described
Marnie: association between kleptomania and pathological sexuality
Family Plot: kidnapping and stealing make her feel “tingly.”