THE LODGER (1927) is a stand-out movie in the career of Alfred Hitchcock, his first suspense film and one that helped usher in his trademark style which is in full flow even at this early stage of his work. The simple storyline involves Jack the Ripper-style murders in and around the Embankment in London and a household who become convinced that their mysterious lodger (matinee idol Ivor Novello) is the man responsible.
Hitch is the master of style here, his camerawork in full force: there are creative camera angles, fades, zooms, atmosphere, set-pieces, expressionist shadowing and of course the obligatory cameo. It's hard to rate acting in a silent film as it's always so over-exaggerated, but Novello's dark looks are put to good use and it's nice to see the female characters taking such important roles. An hour and a half running time that flies by with speed and style.
Hitch is the master of style here, his camerawork in full force: there are creative camera angles, fades, zooms, atmosphere, set-pieces, expressionist shadowing and of course the obligatory cameo. It's hard to rate acting in a silent film as it's always so over-exaggerated, but Novello's dark looks are put to good use and it's nice to see the female characters taking such important roles. An hour and a half running time that flies by with speed and style.