Review of The Dark Corner (1946) by Cyrus B — 13 May 2008

THE DARK CORNER.

The Dark Corner(Details here), is a classic nineteen forties noir, which comes complete with the breathtaking cinematography associates with any film from that movement.

Mark Stevens is Bradford Galt, a private investigator with a somewhat shady past, who's only friend is his new secretary Kathleen, played by Lucille Ball. Bradford has his past used against him as he becomes tricked into a frame-up for murder, pushing him into a proverbial dark corner.

Acting is exactly what you'd expect, highly stylised, and keeping very appropriate for the script and overall feel of the film. The characters themselves are ultra-noir, and very brooding, a few stereotypes creep in with the periphery characters, and the final part of the character development is very unwelcome for the viewer. That aside, a prime example of noir acting, dark, brooding and heavily stylised.

Direction is sumptuously noir, giving us a beautiful view of all the fantastic lighting and framing that is oh so pivotal in this style of filmmaking. The script is packed with blissful dialogue, fast talking and full of classy metaphors, a true delight to the audience. As for the narrative, we get a great wander through an urban environment and take in the corruption that infests it at all levels, however the final resolution is somewhat irritating and detracts away from the overall quality of the film.

Overall, The Dark Corner is a great example of noir filming, however it starts far too strong, so the later acts fail to live unto the high standard set within the first half hour. Saying this, there is enough character and style to please any true cinema fan, whilst not recommended for everyone, definitely worth a viewing for the more avid cinema fan.