Review of Detour (1992) by Matt B — 02 Apr 2008

This is it. Perhaps the real dividing line between style and substance. Ulmer's film is at once a moving, black and white canvas of iconic noir imagery, and at the same time, a pulp story filled with irrational characters and improbable plot twists. Of course, those two aspects make it the very essence of film noir.

Ulmer, schooled in the traditions of German Expressionism at UFA in the 20s, and working as production designer on such flagship Expressionist films as "Siegfried", "Metropolis", "The Last Laugh" and "Sunrise", gives us a film which achieves an incredible visual style, so strong that the velvety black shadoews and eerie white light permeates every frame. Tom Neal and Ann Savage are entirely believable as the characters they portray, giving the film a sense of urgency.

The process photography used throughout is remarkably good. Perhaps because of the highly stylized nature of the film, it never calls attention to itself the way it seems to in more stylistically conservative productions.

It has been said that "Detour" is one of those films that, once seen, you'll never forget. It really is an unforgettable film, and one that holds up very well as a triumph of style.