Review of Sabotage

Sabotage (1936)
6/10
Interesting, but ultimately unsatisfying.
25 July 2001
This is probably one of Hitchcock's better-known movies from his early British period, but that's only because of the famous "bomb on the bus" scene. The film certainly doesn't compare to "The 39 Steps" and "The Lady Vanishes", not to mention his later Hollywood masterpieces.

"Sabotage" is an interesting piece of work, but unfortunately it leaves a lot be desired and seems rather dated when viewed nowadays. Hitchcock's trademark humour (of which "Frenzy" is the best example) shines by its absence and there's barely enough suspense to sustain the whole film--though its running time is quite scant.

The characters are regrettably underdeveloped, as they remain virtually strangers to the viewer. Furthermore, the story conclusion feels rather hurried and unconvincing. Luckily Oskar Homolka gives a subtle performance that may be the film's main asset.
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