The greatest movie ever made..!

Pretty Good

hyped garbage

Dreadfully Boring

'The Lodger' is the first real Hitchcock movie and it is his best from his silent era. With this movie Hitchcock managed to establish many of his trademarks (including his cameos). Suspenseful and interesting screenplay has enough turns to keep the film from being predictable. I think, I don't need to go over the plot, but the mystery, killings, revenge, love is all there. Plus Hitchcock plays wonderful trick with revealing the killer.Delightfully moody mystery piece that really treats the eye. Mus see film for every fan of Hitchcock and silent era films general

I'm hardly ever in the right mood to watch silent movies, but as a self-declared cinephile, you should make some necessary exceptions. The earliest work of Alfred Hitchcock, for example, since he undoubtedly is one of the (if not THE) most important director of all times. Admittedly I don't worship the Master of Suspense's entire repertoire, but I am extremely fond of his horror/thriller movies dealing with psychopathic murderers, and thus "The Lodger" ought to be considered as mandatory viewing. I can only concur with what I've read in numerous reviews, namely that Hitchcock's preferences for macabre tales, mentally burdened lead characters, pitch black humor and unorthodox plot twists are already clearly noticeable here in this primitive story inspired by the Jack the Ripper case. Visually and stylistically, young Alfred's creative mind also was already far more advanced than the technological possibilities of that era. It's abundantly clear that he wanted to do so much more with his cameras, lighting effects and sound, but the film industry simply wasn't ready or equipped yet. How frustrating that must have been. Anyway, as said, the story is a slightly more polished re-enactment of the Ripper murders that kept London under siege at the end of the 19th century. Instead of prostitutes, the killer is exclusively targeting "fair-haired" girls and for some reason he's only prowling the streets on Tuesday evenings. When a mysterious and deeply introvert young man applies for the room she has for rent, the landlady slowly begins to suspect that he might be wanted killer. After all, he often covers half of his face with a scarf, just as how witnesses described the killer, and he shows a lot of interest for the beautiful fair-haired daughter Daisy. Hitchcock demonstrates his vision and talents through maintaining a continuously unsettling atmosphere, a couple of genuinely tense sequences and a few stunning (especially for 1927) camera angles. The finale, illustrating a relentless manhunt by a furious mob, is truly astounding and certain themes from the denouement would later grow out to be director's trademarks. Acting performances are always difficult to judge in silent films, but I must say I was perplexed by the appearance of Malcolm Keen. He's supposed to be the honest police detective, but his eyes and charisma are far more evil and menacing than those of any serial killer I've ever seen!

This is a film I've only heard and read a little about - not to mention seeing some stills and tiny clips - well, I'm finally viewing it for the for the first time in my life and I have to say this is an impressive film. The words that come to my mind are beautiful and eerie as two descriptive words for this gem. I understand why everyone is bragging about since I've seen it. I have to say it's too bad this film is not an early talkie because this would make a fantastic one - but something about this movie being silent seems to make the film all that more eerie.I tell ya if you want see any silent film at all - watch this one! While this film is not considered to be a horror film, I would put The Lodger (1927) in the class with Nosferatu (1922), London After Midnight (1927) or even Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920). I like this Hitchcock silent film so much better than his film The Ring (1927).Great movie - I've enjoyed watching it! 9/10

The Lodger is not without its faults, the music does feel too bombastic at times and the ending is too tacky and too conventional. However, the film looks great, the foggy atmosphere, crisp black and white photography and expressionistic images add a lot to the suspense and story and enhances it too as well as holding up terrifically well. There's also a scene with Novello and June's kiss, and it is beautifully done. The story, loosely based on the infamous Jack the Ripper, is suspenseful and compelling with the suspenseful moments appropriately eerie. There are a few darkly funny moments too that are done subtly and the thriller aspects do thrill and are done audaciously. Hitchcock directs splendidly and in his distinctive style helped by a story that serves him well, the innocent in danger theme was a favourite of his and it shows. The acting is good, Ivor Novello especially in a performance that is ambiguous and creepy but also extravagant and sympathetic. June is alluring and Malcolm Keen has a character that is not as sympathetic and he doesn't hold back. Marie Ault and Arthur Chesney give solid support. All in all, a great film, the best of Hitchcock's silent films and possibly one of the best silent films as well. 9/10 Bethany Cox