Review of Out of the Past (1947) by Kevin N — 25 May 2010
One of the most exemplary film noirs I have ever seen- a twisty plot about bad people who only talk in filthy poetry, chiseled into a gorgeous cinematic California. It's a joy to watch such a talented cast sorted by such a visionary director; what Mitchum, Greer and Douglas cannot express through their dynamic performances (and it isn't much) is shaped by director Jacques Tourneur's expert eye.
The reason this script works so well is that it makes drama out of human sporadicness. There are no villains and there are no heroes- judgement is invited based purely on action, and light and dark are constantly intertwined here.
We're never one step ahead of the characters, and they're courteous enough to return the favor. Instead, we're treated to a one-of-a-kind tale of violence and corruption- a wicked urban ghost story.
This review of Out of the Past (1947) was written by Kevin N on 25 May 2010.
Out of the Past has generally received very positive reviews.
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