Review of Criss Cross (1949) by Roberto U — 21 Jul 2004

[u]Criss Cross[/u] is my favorite [i]film noir[/i]. To put it mildly, this move rules! The film was adapted for the screen by Daniel Fuchs from the novel by Don Tracy, and the screenplay is full of the classical conventions of [i]film noir[/i]: a femme fatale, voice-over narration by the film's antihero, notorious gangsters, and numerous double-crosses. Burt Lancaster plays the protagonist Steve Thompson to perfection. He is obsessive, often confused, and a surprisingly weak and almost tragic character. The impact Anna Dundee (played by Yvonne De Carlo) has on him is believable and hard-hitting.

[u]Criss Cross[/u] fires on all cylinders from the opening credits. Miklos Rosza's fantastic musical score sets the mood for director Robert Siodmak's cynical and compelling story. Franz Planner's cinematography is beautiful; it isn't quite as dark and gloomy as a film like [u]Murder, My Sweet[/u], but the visual world of [u]Criss Cross [/u]is still full of shadow. The film is a fast-paced and well-constructed masterpiece.

I love this film. The climactic heist of the armored truck is intense and stylish, and the film's ending is powerful and satisfying. [u]Criss Cross[/u] is a relentless experience and the high point of the classical period of [i]film noir[/i].