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Show 'Frenzy': no plot By JIM WALDO Chronicle Staff It's been a long time for Hitchcock Hitch-cock fans to wait, and the master's latest work, "Frenzy" wasn't worth it. From anyone else making mystery movies, this might be the sort of thing which one would expect. The plot revolves around a psychopath who rapes women and then strangles them with his necktie. The usual Hitchcock plot twists are there you don't, at least for a while, know who did it, and the hero is the one who is suspected. There is also a Scotland Yard inspector (played by someone who I had never heard of before but who gave a tremendous performance) with an eccentric wife, etc. etc. There are several counts in which the movie could be considered con-sidered excellent. The cinematography was superb. The editing was excellent. The acting was very good. Why, then, did the movie leave a bad taste? The main reason is a weak plot. Some movies are good without much plot or in spite of a bad one, but a mystery movie depends on the plot for the entire mood and excitement. The plot of "Frenzy" had a number of problems. The "hero" is presented in a very un-complementary un-complementary tone. While this may be more true to life, it does not make the audience very sympathetic to his plight. I found that when he was convicted of the murders he did not commit that I didn't really care. A lot of people will probably go see the movie, just on the strength of Hitchcock's previous films. Most of them will probably be disappointed. If you do not want to be, stay home. |