Spellbound (1945), dir. Alfred Hitchcock, Selznick International Pictures/Vanguard Films
Moving into our directors' section, this time we kick off with not only Alfred Hitchcock but also Salvador Dali.
Dr. Constance Petersen (Ingrid Bergman) works at a mental hospital nestled deep in Vermont. She's professional, but her last beau accused her of being too professional. While she mulls over this, the hospital greets its new director, Dr. Anthony Edwardes (Gregory Peck). The old director, Dr. Murchison (Leo G. Carroll) had to step down. Got a bad case of the nerves, you know.
He's younger than she thought he would be and the sparks are there. She notices some red flags though; like his signature not matching an autograph or his stark terror at lines against a white background. He also confesses that he really isn't Dr. Edwardes as he killed the man and took his place.
The last one is a sticking point. Whoever the man is, he claims total amnesia. He flees before the read doctor's assistant shows up, but Dr. Petersen is convinced he's innocent. She manages to track him down, and together they seek out Dr. Petersen's mentor, Dr. Brulov (Michael Chekhov). With his help, they explore the man's dreams to try and figure out his issues.
They head out to a ski lodge. While there the man recover not only his name but also the body of the real Dr. Edwardes. He's quickly arrested and tried for the crime so all's wrapped up right?
Not quite, there's still a few threads left. Can Petersen put them together in time?
Wonderful, with all the actors giving it their best. The dream sequence designed by Dali is utterly breathtaking. Weird, wild and a pity it doesn't last longer.
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