Review of Nightfall (1956) by Art S — 02 Mar 2013

While "Nightfall" is neither the best film noir nor a radiant gem in Jacques Tourneur's stylish and iconic filmography, nevertheless it's a neat and tidy little thriller, succeeding to give us the right amount of suspense while an economic budget and utter forgettability. And in that sense, it works.

In "Nightfall", we witness a peaceful fishing trip gone wrong, as the basis of the plot. James (Aldo Ray) and Edward (Frank Albertson) are having a fun vacation, when on the last day, a car crashes right in front of them. While they attempt to help (after all, Edward's a doctor) the twosome in trouble, it's discovered that they're escaped bank robbers, carrying nearly half-a-million dollars. The thugs themselves aren't in the mood for a pair of witnesses, so they end up shooting Edward and James-- but James ends up merely being unconscious. As if things can't get any worse, James' would-be-killers accidentally leave behind the loot. Knowing that he's the prime suspect in both murder and robbery, James goes on the lam. Before long, he makes the mistake of picking up beautiful young model Marie (Anne Bancroft) ... who is then put in danger as the two criminals plan to kill James once and for all.

"Nightfall" was filmed around the time film noir was transforming into neo noir, and overall, it's a mixture of both. While it is rather sad to see the original film noir go, "Nightfall" ultimately gives us a look of just how stylish neo noir can be-- and it almost succeeds. It's a B-picture, and it shows. The story is a little bit too clean, never surprising us and, by the end, drifts off into the land of predictability. What a shame, considering the double crosses that could have occurred-- it especially would have been interesting to see the raven haired, borderline heroin chic Marie, played by the smoky-voiced Bancroft, transform into a femme fatale. It wouldn't have hurt either if Ray's character was less of a "Marty" type and instead a little bit darker, more sinister presence. While the film has its share of hard-boiled one-liners, the characters itself aren't anything special. The only true reason to see the acting is for Bancroft, who is quite young and far ahead from Mrs. Robinson.

But "Nightfall" isn't without its visual delights. The '50's hosted camerawork a little bit more sleek and high definition than the '40's, ruling out any possibilities for any dreamlike qualities. If anything though, the film looks like a Bergman film. But there's nothing wrong with that. The stark, shadowy camerawork is gritty, and inescapable, showing a harsh landscape that's wide open yet claustrophobic. The best scenes take place at night, with pitch-black alleyways, lamps as the only source of light, and cigarette smoke that swirls around with white mystery. It's a shame the story isn't as stunning as its visuals.

"Nightfall" is a entertaining, if forgettable, film noir that isn't necessarily bad, but nothing special. Those who love Jacques Tourneur's films will be in for a treat, though: it's reminiscent of the exquisite style of "Out of the Past".