Guy thinks that Bruno is a strange, but unassuming passerby that is talking in hypothetical extrapolations, not considering just how dangerous speaking in this way becomes during the progression of the story. Hitchcock manages to take the supremely cerebral elements of Highsmith's novel and translates them very well to the screen. The film is a nearly shot-for-shot adaptation of the opening chapters of the novel, especially the tight, and claustrophobic cabin space. Unfortunately for fans of the novel, the adaptation veers completely off course as Hitchcock takes the characters and puts them through the wringer in terms of psychological decay. The trajectory of Guy is unique in the film as he manages to both escape his tormentor's threats by having Bruno die in the elaborate finale, but also manages to have a successful life after Miriam's murder. This is similar to the novel as Guy nearly escapes his fate, but feels compelled to "do the right thing" and confess, implicating himself in the murder and damning his status and reputation in the process. The cerebral and tense moments of Highsmith's novel are faithfully transcribed to the visual medium, though some elements are lost in translations to the detriment of the novel's trajectory.
Furthermore, the novel of "The 39 Steps" yet again has many elements that are lifted from the novel and are made much better for it. Hannay is still the uniquely bizarre and hapless character he is the novel, and continues the theme of the man on the run, seeking to find the answers to a larger conspiracy that has ensnared him in his trap. Personally, I feel that Hitchcock's ending of the story was more poignant and entertaining, taking the notion of a global spy-network's conspiracy being the central plot point. The film also manages to continue the themes of looming war as the 39 steps are revealed to be the mechanics of how to build a silent plane, a key element of changing global air battles in the process. Hitchcock manages to take the best elements of Buchan's novel and translates them beautifully to the screen, managing to make this a very faithful adaptation of this novel. Both are equally entertaining, and this adaptation is more powerful than "Strangers on a Train" as many of the themes and overall narrative are faithfully translated.
I agree with the fact that Hitchcock's ending to 39 Steps was much more entertaining. He took a more story telling approach and this added something different. I think if he would've kept the original explanation the film would have been much more dragged out and not as entertaining as an audience member.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree with this post. Even in "North by Northwest," the protagonist is an innocent man with an unassuming occupation being thrust into a dangerous plot. These protagonists are almost like puppets being manipulated from within the film by other characters who are prone to the whole picture. Hitchcock likes to really follow this protagonist and experience most of the story simultaneously with the audience.
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