As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the labyrinth of Hollywood’s golden age, I can confidently assert that Alfred Hitchcock‘s masterful dance with censorship in Notorious is nothing short of cinematic brilliance. The Hays Code may have been a straitjacket for filmmakers, but Hitchcock skillfully maneuvered around its restrictions to create an unparalleled kissing scene that has stood the test of time.
During Hollywood’s golden era, movie creators encountered unparalleled creative limitations due to the Motion Picture Production Code, often referred to as the Hays Code. One of its stipulations was a suggested ban on screen kisses lasting more than three seconds; however, Alfred Hitchcock ingeniously bypassed this rule in the 1946 film Notorious.
What Is the Hays Code?
As a devoted cinephile, I find myself reflecting on the birth of the Hays Code, which unfolded in 1930 as Hollywood’s answer to escalating criticism from conservative critics and religious groups. They claimed that our cherished industry was eroding traditional values, fueled by a string of scandals from the early 1920s. Among these were the Fatty Arbuckle scandal, where the actor stood accused of manslaughter, and the enigmatic demise of director William Desmond Taylor, who faced allegations of associating with criminal elements.
The introduction of the Code in 1930 signified a significant change from the era of the 1920s silent films, which were known for their passionate romantic scenes and freedom. At first, the rules weren’t strictly enforced, but they didn’t have much effect until 1934 when two things happened: the emergence of the Catholic Legion of Decency and the economic hardships of the Great Depression. These events compelled studios to pay closer attention to the guidelines due to increased public scrutiny and financial pressures.
John Billheimer’s insightful book titled “Hitchcock and the Censors” vividly portrays the unrestrained censorship that dominated Hollywood during its golden era. Under the tight control of the Production Code Administration, filmmakers were compelled to invent subtle visual cues to convey romance and passion. For example, directors would use shots of crashing waves on a beach to symbolize sexual passion or depict a fireplace’s flames intensifying to signify growing desire. The cinematography held particular significance: a gradual pan from feet to face suggested sexual attraction, while a transition to black after a kiss hinted at intimacy without actually showing it.
In time, these visual codes grew so familiar that viewers of the era could effortlessly comprehend these messages. For instance, in the 1935 film Top Hat, which was recently showcased in HBO’s The Penguin, the filmmakers cleverly circumvented the Code’s ban on the word “damn” by employing witty wordplay about a horse’s “dam,” allowing viewers to make the necessary connections. This is indeed smart, but not as innovative as Hitchcock’s methods for portraying extended intimacy on the big screen.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious Kiss Scene Made History
Hollywood studios developed the Hays Code as a means of placating conservative groups advocating for film censorship. Essentially, they created this self-regulatory document to avoid government interference in their industry, believing it was preferable to establish gentle guidelines than risk facing stringent rules resulting from conflict.
Contrary to popular belief, there was no specific “three-second rule” for on-screen kisses, as such timings didn’t exist for displays of affection. However, the Hays Code did forbid “extreme and sensual kissing.” But considering how long three minutes can feel during a passionate kiss and flirtation scene, it seems unlikely that such a lengthy display would comply with the Hays Code. Remarkably, Alfred Hitchcock managed to pull off this extended steamy scene in his film “Notorious“.
In a hotel room in Rio, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman’s characters navigate a complex ballet of love and dialogue. They share a quick, passionate kiss before turning to practicalities such as dinner arrangements and phone calls. However, they reunite soon after, their connection undeniable. The camera captures their journey from the balcony to inside the room, preserving the intimate ambiance through fluid movements and hushed exchanges.
The unique aspect of this scene is that while it adhered technically to the rules, it clearly went against the intentions embodied in the Code. For several minutes, there’s an undercurrent of passion, yet Hitchcock might justify each brief lip-touching moment as compliant with the Hays Code.
The Notorious kiss scene influenced how Hollywood approached romantic moments for decades. Hitchcock would continue to push boundaries with equally memorable scenes in his later films. In 1954’s Rear Window, he created a breathtaking moment where Grace Kelly’s face appears in slow motion before she gently kisses James Stewart. Years later, in 1964’s Marnie, he crafted another unforgettable kiss between Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery during a thunderstorm, with the camera positioned just eighteen inches from their faces.
Directors like Michael Curtiz, Howard Hawks, and Fred Zinnemann found innovative methods to produce romantic scenes while abiding by the self-imposed censorship guidelines. For instance, “Casablanca” (1942), “To Have and Have Not” (1944), and “From Here to Eternity” (1953) all succeeded in creating memorable romantic instances that fit within the Code’s restrictions. Although these films are essential pieces of Hollywood history, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Notorious” stands out as the most daring testament to the limitations of the kissing rule.
Notorious is currently available for streaming on Tubi.
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2024-12-01 17:09