Charade (1963): Thriller, Comedy, Brutal Deaths

Charade is a mix in styles, with a romantic comedy pervasive throughout the film, a thriller about where the money is, and a comedy in parts.  I'm never one to mind when a film mashes genres, especially when it's done effectively.  Thanks to the stars of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, I think they pull off the weird tone.

Cary Grant plays a debonair, clever man of mystery who seems to seamlessly and effortlessly fit into unusual circumstances.  So pretty much what you think of when you think of a Cary Grant character.  Audrey Hepburn plays a fashionable woman of wealth who carries herself with class and seems bewildered by everything happening around her.  So.. well you get the idea.  The two actors played roles presumably written specifically with them in mind.

The supporting cast is surprisingly fantastic.  The three men vying for Audrey's fortune include James Coburn and George Kennedy (most recognized for Cool Hand Luke).  Both are pretty shallow characters, but thanks to the actors playing them, they work way better than they should, particularly Coburn (who is awesome).  Walter Matthau is also featured in this film and he's solid enough.

This is the second movie I've seen this week that I think I'd like better on second viewing, weirdly enough.  And this movie is remarkably similar to How to Steal a Million, so watching them back-to-back leaves a certain repetitiveness.  Because How to Steal a Million came first, it left a better impression, but I suspect Charade is a better movie.

3.5/4 stars