Review of In the Heat of the Night (1967) by Mikey M — 16 Nov 2010

"There was a time when I could've had you shot".

Restrained classic that doesn't diminish over time. Poitier and Steiger eat up the scenery and this film represents its issues in a surprisingly understated fashion through deeply considered and meaty protagonists. The plot is secondary to the themes and I think a braver decision from the filmmakers to have left the murder unsolved would have made this one of the best movies out there. But then it is still full of superb interplay - the scene in Endicott's greenhouse is one of the great memorable scenes in all of cinema. I love the pace and feel of this film and all-in, it's just a great fucking movie.