Dallas Chamber Symphony Presents: The Lodger - Movie in Concert
“The Lodger” is a seminal film in Alfred Hitchcock’s career, marking his first true foray into the thriller genre. Released in 1927 and starring Ivor Novello, it tells the story of a London family who takes in a mysterious lodger amidst a string of Jack the Ripper-style murders. As suspicion mounts and tension rises, the lodger’s strange behavior and nocturnal habits lead the family to question his innocence.
Hitchcock’s masterful direction is evident throughout the film, with innovative techniques such as expressionistic lighting and dynamic camera angles heightening the suspense. “The Lodger” showcases Hitchcock’s early exploration of themes that would become hallmarks of his later work, including the blurring of innocence and guilt, the psychology of fear, and cinema’s voyeuristic nature.
With its gripping storyline, atmospheric cinematography, and Hitchcock’s trademark touch of suspense, “The Lodger” remains a captivating and influential piece of cinema history, setting the stage for the legendary director’s future successes in the thriller genre.
Parental advisory: The Lodger is suitable for most audiences. It contains dark imagery, suspenseful drama, and brief/mild depictions of violence.