I know quite a lot of Hitchcock’s films and this is one of my favourites. It’s appealing because, again, it’s a little bit under the radar compared to the big hitters but there’s something so insidious about it. And about Joseph Cotten. He’s so charming and attractive and you can sort of see how he plays a different role for each of the family members. And then the daughter sees through him. But again, it’s not so straightforward. There’s this hint of attraction and she’s drawn to him as well but instinctively repulsed by this presence in their home. So it’s a very strange film. There’s this dread underneath everything. I’ve probably seen the film four times but the last time I watched it, I really focused on Hume Cronyn’s character, the next door neighbour. It’s a little bit like if you ever watch Star Wars but just focus on Chewbacca. It becomes a totally different experience, because you have somebody there who’s playing almost the same role as you are, just watching, watching the other characters. I think it’s a really smart thing to put in another fellow watcher into the film.
