Review of The Sleeping Tiger (1954) by Stefanie C — 25 Jun 2010

Losey's first Brit production, directed anonymously after his blacklisting stateside. This also prominently features Bogarde, who would later work with Losey in less sensational but more complex roles. Condemned to B movie status in terms of budget and topical subject, this is a fascinatingly self-aware collision of noir technique and tragedy of manners.

Malcolm Arnold's score repeats thematically in varying contexts and intensity to provoke sympathy or lurid disgust. There is also an interesting use of sound editing applied to crime and chase scenarios which might be considered as anticipatory of Accident (1967).

Alexis Smith gives an emotionally intense performance rivaling Bogarde's sublimated inner conflict with a greater capacity for emotional violence. Losey uses mantelpiece mirrors and framing devices to confine his subjects even as they assure themselves that history is not repeating itself. And despite the tawdry and implausible script, the noir stylings and fine acting here elevate it well above most high budget films of any day.