The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Criss cross.”

In 1951, Alfred Hitchcock was at a low point in his career after the disappointing critical reception of his previous two films, Under Capricorn and Stage Fright. Desperate for a hit, he wanted to adapt the 1950 Patricia Highsmith novel Strangers on a Train about a chance encounter that leads to a murder pact between two very different men. He bought the rights and enlisted screenwriter Raymond Chandler to adapt the book for the screen. Though Chandler delivered a script, Hitchcock ultimately rejected it in favor of a rewrite by Czenzi Ormonde and an uncredited Barbara Keon. With his leads locked in – Farley Granger as tennis pro Guy Haines and Robert Walker as the villainous Bruno Antony – Hitchcock began production on what would become another tension-filled thriller. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1952 Academy Awards Best Cinematography • Black-and-White Nominees series with a conversation about Strangers on a Train.

Here's a hint at what we talk about:
In this episode, we dive deep into the fantastic performances by Robert Walker as the creepy and charismatic Bruno and Farley Granger as the morally conflicted Guy. We also discuss the homoerotic undertones in the film and how Hitchcock used them to toy with ideas about sexuality and identity. Though we find a few plot holes, overall we both agree this is one of our favorite Hitchcock films thanks to its psychological tension, unique visual style, and fun fairground climax.

One of the standout elements of Strangers on a Train is the striking black-and-white cinematography by Robert Burks. In his first collaboration with Hitchcock, Burks brought an experimental flair that heightens the psychological tension. The use of shadows, unique camera angles, stylized lighting, and innovative techniques like the curved lens shot of Miriam's murder create an atmosphere of dread and danger. Burks' innovative work garnered him an Oscar nomination and built the foundation for a longtime partnership with Hitchcock.

Strangers on a Train is a taut, psychologically complex thriller brought to life by Hitchcock’s masterful direction. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.