Notorious (1992)

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I have seen this remake and was impressed with the acting and the style. As remakes go this film works well because it stays close to the original. The previous comparison to Gus Van Sant's remake (which actually used the original script with only 3 or 4 minor variations) was not entirely accurate.As a rule, I don't care for remakes but I had been very impressed with Ms Robertson's portrayal of Patty Duke in the TV production "Call Me Anna." Because of her acting ability I watched this version of "Notorious" just to make a comparison. I watched the movie from start to finish and never saw one moment that compared badly with Hitchcock's original. There were even improvements due to changing attitudes of today's society. Since this was meant for TV and stayed so focused only added to the experience.John Shea is most convincing as the U.S. agent who remains cynical about the under-cover spy's motive. The sexual tension between the two is handled in a real and true way without being offensive to some viewers and was better than the "Hollywood" treatment which I am sure that even Mr. Hitchcock himself regretted.

This is not your mother's Notorious, but unlike another critic I found Jenny Robertson's portrayal touching and tragic. John Shea, more believable as an agent than Grant and yet a likeable leading man with a romantic quality of times past.Ms. Robertson is a leading lady in the Michele P. level of beauty and her breathless quality of line delivery is very like the endearing flavor of Ms. Bergman. Mr. Shea and Ms. Robertson so capable of being major motion picture leads and yet Hollywood has not discovered these jewels.The movie takes the luxury of time and contains a very romantic musical montage. The movies sound track is also flavored of films past.The supporting roles are perfectly cast and very exotic. So much like those from the first movie it is astonishing.The movie's tension is no where near the original and yet it is enjoyable all the same.I do hope Hollywood discovers the talents of Ms. Robertson and Mr. Shea.Mr.Shea would be ideal as the new Phillip Marlowe and Ms. Robertson would shine in any leading role.The movie made for cable's Lifetime Channel is indeed a great movie for a girl's night. Rent the original and follow with this contemporary tribute to a classic old movie.