Distractions and Suspense in 'Strangers on a Train': Analysis of a Scene Anonymous College

Like all of Hitchcock’s films, Strangers on a Train is a masterpiece of suspense. The striking visuals, unexpected stabs of dark humor, and masterful editing make it the nail-biting, hair-pulling sort of film they just don’t make anymore. Contemporary thrillers are all about gimmicks, and though Hitchcock certainly turns his fair share of tricks, instead of feeling cheap, they actually do what they’re meant to: create suspense. This is perhaps no more evident than in the sequence leading up to and including Miriam’s murder.

The sequence, from Bruno’s arrival at the carnival until he drives away in the boat, is almost exactly seven minutes long. It features very little dialogue aside from throwaway background talking. Bruno, who is usually very articulate, is silent until he asks Miriam the sequence’s final, damning question. However, he is surrounded by the sounds of laughter and light music—at one point, Miriam and the men she is with even sing along with the song the carousel plays. The carnival in this film, just like its real-world counterparts, is designed to be a place full of distractions, between the flashing lights and smorgasbord of things to do. Because of this, the sequence would feel somewhat random and meandering...