Move over, modern thrillers—1970's "Crescendo" still holds its own with a mix of suspense, drama, and the occasional chill that beats most of today’s Netflix offerings. This British thriller, directed by Alan Gibson and starring Stefanie Powers and James Olson, knows how to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film, released at a time when society was reeling from the tumultuous 60s, takes place in the south of France, where our protagonist, a young music student, finds herself entangled in a sinister plot. Not what you'd expect from your average European holiday.
Let's break it down. The plot kicks off with Susan Roberts (played by the lovely Stefanie Powers), an American music student who travels to the south of France to research the late musical genius Henry Ryman for her thesis. But this isn't just any research project. Upon arriving at the luxurious yet slightly eerie estate of Ryman's widow, Susan gets more than she bargained for. She quickly meets Ryman's papier-mâché brother, the mysterious Jacqueline Ryman (Margaretta Scott), and her son, Georges (Olson), who might have skeletons rattling loudly in their closets.
One of the reasons why "Crescendo" is worth a watch is its setting. The cinematography captures the south of France’s beauty while injecting a shadowy suspense that mirrors the film’s growing tension. It's like watching a game of chess, where each move could potentially be the character's last. The Ryman couple's sprawling estate serves as a character of its own—oppressive, secretive, and always hinting at darker corners still unexplored.
Much has been said about Stefanie Powers in this role, and rightly so. She brings a unique strength to Susan, a character who could easily have been portrayed as the typical damsel, yet refuses to be boxed in. Her spirited nature poses an irritating contrast for those who think women’s roles in thrillers are best left to decorating the backdrop. Her chemistry with James Olson, while not sizzling, exudes a subtle tension that adds to the film's suspense. Olson’s portrayal of Georges Ryman as both vulnerable and potentially dangerous is masterful; it's a level of complexity lost in the cookie-cutter characters often paraded out in today’s genre.
Another point worthy of praise is the film’s chilling musical score, emphasizing tension in ways reminiscent of Hitchcock's greats. The theme is hauntingly melodic, weaving music itself into the plot as both motif and macabre foreshadowing. The film uses the score not only to build suspense but to remind us of the genius and madness that once inhabited the Ryman estate. It's almost as if Henry Ryman's ghost is a maestro, orchestrating the deception that unfolds.
"Crescendo" isn't just your run-of-the-mill thriller. It’s a film that pays homage to the genre's roots, with its psychologically nuanced characters and plot twists that keep viewers guessing without insulting their intelligence. It might not involve world-ending scenarios or CGI galore, but that’s precisely what gives it prestige. Modern-day filmmakers could learn a lot from the restraint and craft employed here.
This movie also deserves recognition for its exploration of psychological themes, adding a layer of intellectual intrigue to its chilling narrative. It asks questions about inheritance, both genetic and emotional, and challenges notions about family dynamics and the lasting impact of genius. Douglas Slocombe's cinematography captures this beautifully, allowing the audience to peek behind the gilded curtains of the human psyche.
For conservatives who appreciate a good mystery without the pandering of today’s social narratives, "Crescendo" is a must-watch. It’s a retro gem providing a glimpse of the past without the heavy-handed messages that modern Hollywood holds dear. The 1970s style showcases a time when suspense wasn't reliant on technological tropes and when actors' craft took corner stage over distracting special effects.
In today's fast-paced world of cinematic overload, it’s refreshing to revisit a film like "Crescendo". It speaks to a generation that valued suspense over spectacle and a storyline over political posturing. The film doesn’t spoon-feed its audience but respects viewers' intelligence enough to let them savor the unfolding enigma. So light the popcorn, dim the lights, and let "Crescendo’s" elegance and edginess remind you of what true filmmaking is about. It might even leave you questioning those plush Netflix subscriptions.