Review of The Third Man (1949) by Ben M — 27 Feb 2010
A true noir classic, TTM delviers one of the best pure noir stories that the era could produce. One of the best performances comes not from the actors, but from the setting. The streets of war-torn vienna with the blown out buildings and dark alleyways creates a mysterious atmosphere that keeps the movie thrilling throughout some of the heights of the action.
TTM boasts the wonderful Joseph Cotten as an author visiting his friend in post-war vienna where he finds his friend dead, and thus has to investigate the murder while soviet and allied custom officers keep their watchful eyes on him.
This takes him deeper into the dirty dealings of the black market that brings illegal items into the occupied city. Without getting into his character to deeply (that may spoil the movie) Orson Welles gives an amazing performance as Harry Lime.
Whenever Welles gets on screen he creates an undescribable mood and feeling that is so unique to Welles' persona. His voice and his movements are what make him such a great actor, that whatever he is involved in is immediately heightened.
The movie ends disappointingly to most people (not me), but you have to remember that this is pure noir, and a happy ending would ruin it.
This review of The Third Man (1949) was written by Ben M on 27 Feb 2010.
The Third Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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