"Strangers on a Train" is one of the most memorable examples of Hitchcock's signature sense of humor. Despite its presentation as a classic thriller, it’s evident that Hitch is making fun of its audience throughout. While the film presents a fascinating premise, it loses steam around the end when it gets all about a silly lighter. Nevertheless, the clever writing and Hitchcock's masterful direction still make it an entertaining experience. The cinematography is crisp and engaging, with several ingenious tricks that remain in history, like the reflection of the murder on the victim's glasses, the fire projected on Barbara's eyes, and the chaotic, close-to-slapstick climax at the merry-go-round. While Robert Walker’s portrayal of the lunatic stalker steals the show, Farley Granger’s wooden performance leaves much to be desired.

A strong, but not perfect entry for Hitchcock. There are so many elements that work: the premise is delightfully macabre and there are moments of real tension. Robert Walker's Bruno is one of my favorite Hitchcock characters--his sociopathy is so on the surface, but he never feels cartoonish, just childish (in a good way.) The smoothness with which he ingratiates himself with Guy gives shivers, and I can't get over the way he says "criss-cross." That said, the movie doesn't have quite enough plot to sustain the runtime and Hitch doesn't quite know how to end the movie--it falls apart in the third act with an absurd tennis match, a lighter just out of reach, and a merry go round ride from hell. Still, it's all good campy fun and ranks up there for me on the strength of Walker's performance--pity that he died so young.

I really played myself when I decided to cover queer coding for my dissertation, I’m just gonna be watching a bunch of gay characters dying in crazy ass ways for the next few months uh

That tennis match went on for far too long but the merry-go-round stuff was great.