‘THE WRONG MAN’ IS HITCHCOCK MYSTERY
With impressive and noteworthy talent in front and behind the camera, The Wrong Man is slow but interesting.
The Wrong Man (1956) Film Review
Simple and struggling but happy, Christopher Emmanuel “Manny” Balestrero (Henry Fonda) is a musician who works late nights at a club. His wife Rose (Vera Miles) is devoted, and is lovingly raising their two sons, but she does worry. In need of some extra money because Rose is going to need some dental care, Manny heads to an insurance office to see what kind of advance he can make on his wife’s policy. While there, he is accused by the female staff of being a mugger and robber targeting local business.
Dazed and concerned, all Manny can do is go through the nightmare awaiting him all while his wife slips further into a mental space where no one seems able to reach her.
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‘THE WRONG MAN’ IS HITCHCOCK MYSTERY. Review of the 1950s drama with Henry Fonda and Vera Miles. #Mystery #Classic Share on X
Another film that Alfred Hitchcock helms, this is, according to the shadowy first shot appearance with the director, the first story he is telling that is about a real case. While the source material may be a “true story,” this is still very much a Hitchcock film. It moves slow and uses some crazy filmmaking in order to illustrate a point. It also has the typical “shadowed” kind of storytelling that tries to help create an entire atmosphere.
I don’t know if I would say this is a favorite Hitchcock film, but I did really like this. It’s an interesting story and I like the subtle but “enough” mystery and thriller-esque feel the film inspires. There is also a kind of spiritual thread that, while not prevalent, is one that ultimately heavily theorizes that it’s faith that helps Manny. In the end, this is a good film that overcomes its black and white vintage reality because it has a compelling story and the cast makes it even more interesting.
A great story that’s all about rising above, staying strong and standing tall, The Wrong Man is worth watching if you’re a fan of vintage mysteries.
Stream, at publication, The Wrong Man on Max; or digitally rent or purchase on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy
Content: this one doesn’t really have anything to note that isn’t “typical” of the 50s era. There is no sexual content (outside of kissing) and the “scary” really is more about tension than anything freaky. The film does have a PG-13 rating.
