Movie Review of *Charade* (1963)

I’ve mentioned  before that I really like old movies, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this was an oldie—but a goodie!—(so cliché, I know). I’d also like to give fair warning that I’m going to go a little crazy with this review—because the more I think about this movie, the more I love it.
And to think I almost didn’t see it!  The first time I started watching it I shut it off because it seemed kind of weird and scary. A couple days later I turned it on again, willing to give it a second chance. I'm glad I did! This wasn't necessarily a truly inspiring film or even deeply thought-provoking, but it IS extremely fun and entertaining. It also contains a unique blend of wit, suspense, and romance. The surprising plot twists leave you on the edge of your seat and I found the story to be quite clever and satisfying. Having a cast containing the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant doesn’t hurt much either. Oh, and did I mention that it’s in Paris, and that it has some delightful fashion?
Now I’m going to admit right out front that I was never a big fan of either Grant of Hepburn. I don’t despise their acting, I just never really feed into all the hype. This movie was much better, though. I particularly like the fact that Hepburn diverts from her typical role (at least in the films I’ve seen) as dim-witted, doe-eyed girl. These two had a definite screen chemistry and it’s a shame that they never made any more movies together. Apparently at the time this was made, some people thought that Grant (then 59) was too young to be playing 33-year-old Hepburn’s love interest. I found this to be a complete non-issue, however.

I’m not going to say too much about the plot, because I don’t want to give anything away, so let’s just focus a bit on the fashion. Audrey looks beautiful in this movie. I love everything from her elegant French twist hair-dos and tailored suits to her chic gloves and trademark oversize sunglasses. She does seem a bit thin, as usual, but maybe that is just her genetic build? Perhaps it was just me, but some of the large pillbox hats that she sports look ridiculously out of proportion on her spindly neck. I feel awfully superficial saying that. I know I’ve read things insinuating that she suffered from an eating disorder, but I do not know if that is true or not. Still, she could be just naturally thin. God makes people of all sizes! Regardless, she really lights up the screen in this movie! Charade certainly challenged my perception of her acting range.

Being me, I feel rather obligated to comment on how the “dangerous attraction” thing she has going on is probably not a very healthy way to approach a relationship. I could go on but, like I said, I don’t want to spoil anything. At least it works out at the end…or does it? Not gonna say. ;)

But on to the fashion! Here are some pictures of some of the beautiful outfits that she wears…

I love this dress! There is an very similar one featured here.
 
Beautiful scenery!


Audrey is always pretty, but she is GORGEOUS when she smiles. I love these screen shots.


 
Navy + white = love it!

Content Advisory: I would certainly not show this to younger kids. It is very scary (not horror movie scary, just thriller scary) and they show dead people several times, including some fleeting gore. I really could’ve done without this (even though it’s only acting), as I find that stuff a bit unnerving. Grant’s and Hepburn’s characters definitely have a romantic relationship going on and they do kiss quite a few times, especially in one scene where there is a lot of kissing. Nothing is especially risqué, though. There are several other things as noted on the IMDb Parent’s Guide page for this movie, that you may want to check out.

If this still doesn’t make you want to see the movie, nothing will.

Here are some sites with more info (some of these I just stumbled across while searching for pictures). Ones that contain spoilers have an asterisk (*) next to them.

• Wikipedia*
• IMDb
• A review here.
• Top Ten Reasons
• AllMovie
• Watch for free on Hulu here (totally legal; their were copyright issues that make it open to the public domain)

Okay, I think I’m done. :) Obviously, I could continue, but I would just advise seeing it yourself. I think you’ll like it.
 
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Quote from Movie:
Hepburn’s Character: “Do you know what's wrong with you?”
Grant’s Character: “No, what?”
Hepburn’s Character: “Nothing!”