New Year, New Blind Spot films. I’m starting the year with my favorite classic actress. I adore Audrey Hepburn and her classy and elegant look, but I haven’t watched all her films yet. After Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Nun’s Story, My Fair Lady and Paris When it Sizzles, it’s time to check out Charade (1963).
As an unhappy CIA agent wife, Reggie (Hepburn) doesn’t know her husband’s work. In fact, she almost divorced the man if her husband doesn’t die of an accident. She’s advised by police inspector, Edouard Grandpierre (Jacques Marin) to be careful with her steps because there’ll be some people looking after her and the money her husband’s stealing from the country. Edouard also gives her a travel bag owned by her husband, containing some items that seem free from any lead to where the money is.
“Do you realize you’ve had three names in the past two days? I don’t even know who I’m talking to any more!”Peter (Grant), a man whom she met when she’s on vacation before knowing her husband’s death, helps her moving to a hotel. He continues to help her whenever she need, but someone tells her to be cautious of Peter and don’t trust him. Reggie likes and even have potential to fall in love with Peter, but she continues to find his secrets which makes her doubt him, considering she was being lied to her husband before. But still, Reggie can’t help but feel in love though it seems Peter have another agenda to be with her. People who were chasing her eventually gets killed until it’s obvious who’s the killer.
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It’s the first time I saw Hepburn in a suspense thriller, but not for comedy and romance. Hepburn’s love interest in the movie was played by an older actor (with 26 years age difference), Cary Grant. But I must say, it was the best chemistry Hepburn have ever had with an actor in all of her films I’ve seen. It’s also the first time I saw her as the one who is more forward to confess her feelings and act towards it. I read that it was originally made for her to be the pursuer because Grant wasn’t comfortable with the age difference, but it turned out to be refreshing and new. They both seem match in their sense of style and class. They looked like they have been a husband and wife for years.
Reggie’s husband obviously a wealthy man because all of Reggie’s wardrobe is simply lady and royal style. They were gorgeous in Hepburn’s figure, though I have never seen Hepburn looking nothing but beautiful. But here, she’s like a first lady by her clothes. Next to Cary Grant and his suits, they both got 10 score for classy and stylish. Added with the Paris background, it was glamorous.
As for the suspense, though quite simple but the twist was unpredictable and indeed thrilling. It combines pretty well with the romance and comedy. Also, you can never guess where is the location of the money.
I wish there were more stories about Reggie and her husband, also the romance between Reggie and Peter. It’s not the most outstanding story or romance in Hepburn movies I’ve ever seen, but it was pleasant. I also impressed with the animated opening which I knew it must be a challenge to produce back on those times. I’ll remember Charade as one classy suspense movie with a hint of romance.
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