The Lodger, one of Hitchock's earliest films, is considered his first thriller, a film that would begin the themes he pursued through his iconic films. It is a silent film which tells a Jack the Ripper inspired story and is haunting to say the least. Visually the film is striking, full of the titular fog, mystery, and beauty. Hitchcock displays early signs of his story telling genius and his ability to unnerve. Also he fills his film with stunningly beautiful shots that are completely mesmerizing.
One of the title cards (silent film's version of dialogue) states:
"Even if he is queer, he's a gentleman"
Hollywood's fascination and aversion to homosexuality is highlighted here, as the beautiful (and openly queer) Novello is presented as mysterious killer... or is he? There is a fascinating subtext here which would be experienced differently for audiences of the time and audiences of today. This is about a man about whom everyone assumes. He isn't able to be who he is because of what everyone thinks about him.
At it's heart The Lodger is a story of mystery, the "fog" of the title may be referring to the way we get lost, the way truth is obscured. The tale is thrilling and quite horrifying, both for the brutal crimes it presents (though mostly tastefully off camera) and for the mob hysteria of vigilante justice and scapegoating it chronicles. This comes closer to horror than a lot of Hitchcock's films up to maybe Psycho.
The Lodger shows all the promise this famous film maker would live up to in his later celebrated films. It is a film that will haunt you.
This film also features the director's first recognizable cameo, a feature that would become his signature, but at the time I wonder if many in the audience would have noticed as this is one of the more subtle ones.
Silent movies may be jarring for modern audiences with their exaggerated expressions and breaks for title cards, but for me the ones that work best are those that focus on the visual end of story telling. The Lodger easily falls into that category. It is a strikingly beautiful film and its story is haunting.
The Lodger
Starring: Ivor Novello
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writer: Eliot Stannard
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