Review of The Third Man (1949) by Matthew D — 13 Oct 2018
A classic mystery filled with charming comedy.
The suspenseful noir classic The Third Man (1949) is as great as old films get. Director Carol Reed uses careful lighting to illuminate just enough of characters to see them in the dim rooms and dark streets of post WWII Vienna. Reed's wide shots of the city rubble and building doorways is exquisite direction. The highly decorated sets and rubble filled city ruins of Vienna are the perfect backdrop to this intriguing thriller. Around every corner is another twist and clue to solve the mystery.
The quirky music keeps reminding you to just have fun with The Third Man and go along for a very fun ride. The constant jokes and lighthearted jabs keep you entertained while you figure your way through this complex narrative of crime and punishment. The story starts with what feels like an ending, but drags you deeper into its shocking reveals. The Third Man's brisk 104 minutes of running time goes by like a breeze. I think most audiences will find something they like during The Third Man.
Joseph Cotten is the real star here as you follow alongside his character, Holly Martins, stumbling through Vienna's complicated political divide between 4 nations and Austria. Cotten is such a compelling and likable actor that you just relate and focus in on his character naturally. This is a great and multi-faceted role for Cotton, and certainly one of his best.
Supporting Cotten in The Third Man is Alida Valli as Anna. She is mysterious and sultry. You really sympathize with her character because of Valli's realistic portrayal of a woman in love. She is really believable in The Third Man.
In regards to Orson Welles, I will just say that whenever he is on screen, you are absolutely glued to the screen. His presence is constantly known throughout The Third Man as everyone is talking about him. But when you see him, his charisma and skill are apparent. His monologue in the Ferris Wheel is particularly wonderful. I wish he were in the movie even more.
In all, The Third Man is certainly still worth watching. It is perhaps the greatest character reveal in cinematic history, and that is not hyperbole.
This review of The Third Man (1949) was written by Matthew D on 13 Oct 2018.
The Third Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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