Topaz

1969 - Universal Pictures
Directed By Alfred Hitchcock



SYNOPSIS

Just before the Cuban Missile Crisis erupts, a high-ranking Russian KGB officer (Per-Axel Arosenius) defects to the United States. The defector details a large international spy ring run by the Russians that involves several high-ranking people in the French government. An American agent (John Forsythe) secures some help from his friend, French agent Andre Devereaux (Fredrick Stafford) to help expose the spies.

MY THOUGHTS

One of Alfred Hitchcock's weakest American films.

Topaz is lacking much of what made Alfred Hitchcock's films great.
First, The characters are bland. The lead is not an out-of-his-element everyman that the audience can relate to, but a professional who doesn't emote. Frederick Stafford is no Cary Grant or James Stewart.
The standard 'Hitchcock blond' has little to no bearing on the story and is forgettable.
There's no sign of the trademark gallows humor (nor much of any humor at all) in Topaz.
The music score also lacks any impact. Bernard Herrman's music is sorely missed here.

And most importantly, apart from one or two scenes, Hitchcock's famous ability to create suspense via editing and camera angles is absent.

I suppose you could make an argument that Hitch was trying to do something different, but the film is remarkable similar to his previous film. The Cold War globe-trotting espionage thriller Torn Curtain contains all the elements that made his films succeed and is FAR stronger and more entertaining. His other 'departure' films like The Trouble With Harry are still identifiably Hitchcock (and watchable.)

Topaz film can be divided into three parts. 1-New York/Washington, 2- Cuba, 3-France. It starts off strong and each part becomes duller than the last. The further the film goes along, the action subsides and the film just devolves into characters sitting around and talking. You should get a prize if you're still awake during the third segment!

Though it does have its moments, Topaz is recommended for completists only. If you want to see Hitchcock weave his magic with Cold War intrigue, see Torn Curtain.