The Red Shoes (1948) - 4/5

This movie is equal parts showbiz romaticism and compelling cautionary tale. While films about showbusiness always have a level of metacommentary, here the play being performed also matches the characters performing it. The story is gripping enough to satisfy most audiences, while the allegory playing out in the metanarrative is consistent enough to satisfy pedantic critics. Even though the story is about ballet you don’t have to care about ballet to enjoy it, although if you hate ballet you’re out of luck here.

Closest comparison: It’s like Birdman by way of Virtigo, with a dash of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Setting: Showbiz
Plot: Showbiz
Tone: Drama

Foreign Correspondent (1940) - 4/5

This movie is a rollicking adventure of espionage set at the start World War II. Of course, it was also filmed at the start of World War II so everything has a deeper meaning; to the audience at the time as a call to action, and for those afterward as a tangible snapshot of its time. It looks great because of the dynamic scenes and cinematography, which of course Hitchcock is known for, and this is an exemplary addition to his repertoire. More investigation of espionage than many of its run-and-gun contemporaries, this movie focuses on the human element and tense civilian life while still managing to incorporate both high-flung adventure and the prescient, practical problem of civic duty.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Third Man, The 39 Steps, and North by Northwest.

Setting: Spy
Plot: Detective
Tone: Adventure