Meaning: The quote "Robert Walker as Bruno was excellent. He had elegance and humor, and the proper fondness for his mother" is a commendation by the renowned novelist Patricia Highsmith. It refers to the performance of actor Robert Walker in the 1951 film adaptation of Highsmith's novel "Strangers on a Train," directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The character Bruno Anthony, played by Walker, is a charming yet disturbed sociopath who proposes a sinister plan to a stranger, Guy Haines, to exchange murders as a means to eliminate their respective problems. The quote not only praises Walker's portrayal of Bruno but also highlights the character's complex traits.

In Patricia Highsmith's novel, Bruno Anthony is depicted as a manipulative and impulsive character with a twisted sense of humor and a disturbing relationship with his mother. Walker's portrayal of Bruno effectively captures these qualities, as noted by Highsmith. The elegance and humor mentioned in the quote likely refer to Walker's ability to convey Bruno's superficial charm and charisma, which mask his darker motivations and tendencies. Additionally, the "proper fondness for his mother" suggests that Walker successfully captured Bruno's complex and ambivalent feelings towards his mother, a pivotal aspect of the character's psychology.

Robert Walker's performance in "Strangers on a Train" is widely recognized as one of the highlights of his career. His portrayal of Bruno Anthony has been praised for its nuanced depiction of a psychologically complex character. Walker's ability to convey Bruno's unsettling mix of charm, manipulation, and instability is central to the film's success in creating a suspenseful and psychologically engaging narrative.

It is important to note that Patricia Highsmith's positive assessment of Walker's portrayal of Bruno carries significant weight, given her intimate understanding of the character. As the author of the source material, Highsmith had a deep insight into the nuances and complexities of Bruno's character, making her endorsement of Walker's performance particularly noteworthy.

Furthermore, the collaboration between Highsmith's compelling characterizations in the novel and Walker's interpretation of Bruno on screen contributed to the enduring impact of "Strangers on a Train." The film remains a classic in the suspense-thriller genre, and Walker's performance as Bruno continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the portrayal of complex and enigmatic antagonists in cinema.

In conclusion, Patricia Highsmith's praise of Robert Walker's performance as Bruno in "Strangers on a Train" acknowledges the actor's ability to capture the multifaceted nature of the character. Walker's portrayal effectively conveys Bruno's charm, humor, and disturbing traits, as well as his complex relationship with his mother, all of which are integral to the character's psychological depth. The convergence of Highsmith's compelling characterization in the novel and Walker's interpretation on screen has solidified Bruno Anthony as a memorable and influential figure in the realm of cinematic antagonists.