Review of Night and the City (1950) by John D — 12 Jul 2012
Small-time hood Harry Fabian, an artist without an art, dreams of one day 'being somebody.' Widmark plays Fabian with the perfect mixture of braggadocio, desperation, frustration, and cowardice.
His every move is filled with intensity-- one minute he's proudly boasting about his newest scheme; seconds later his simpering in the corner like a child. It's a great portrait of a born loser, a guy who just can't ever catch a break.
Herbert Lom is amazingly vicious as Kristo, the man who controls all of wrestling in London. In all truth, the film is filled with well-acted bit parts that convey the desperation of an entire city. Great locations, directing (some fine disorienting camera angles), script, cinematography, and score (especially in the tense finale).
This review of Night and the City (1950) was written by John D on 12 Jul 2012.
Night and the City has generally received very positive reviews.
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