Review of The Third Man (1949) by Matt P — 15 Oct 2011

What to say about "The Third Man?" Well where do you begin? An international noir that begins in Vienna with the arrival of a writer (Joseph Cotton) seems to take on a simple premise. But as the writer, Holly Martins fails to find his friend Harry Lime (who invited him), but succeeds in discovering several cover-up stories and shady figures of the black market. Additionally, with the aid of arrogant cops (one notably played by Trevor Howard) he also finds the mysterious actress (Alida Valli) who can only represent that timeless look of "femme fatale.".

"The Third Man" is a film you may overlook and not fully appreciate the first viewing. Blips and pieces here and there will remain, but the overall shock the picture leaves on you can only be gained through multiple viewings. That being said, the picture is a lot to take in. It has a fast moving story (thanks to the brilliant writer, Graham Greene) similar to that of say "Casablanca." But rest assured, this is not typical Hollywood flick. The techniques used, the great story, even the magnificent cast of characters seem different for a picture made in that time. It makes for a different sort of Noir. Maybe not as dark as one, but with intentions just as sinister and astounding.

Tiled camera angles and an unmistakable zither score are often what sink into our subconscious after seeing the film. Carol Reed's great to look at direction accompanied by iconic performances such as Orson Welles and Trevor Howard. It's a story that continually gets deeper and deeper, making the finale almost tragic but somehow ironic.

"The Third Man" proves that a quintessential film noir can be made anywhere. Just because of the change of city, state, or country for this matter, it doesn't exclude all of the dark elements that come with it. Here, those elements are heightened with rich cinematography (the ending shot is brilliant I must say) and sharp-spit dialogue. It may be a struggle to find the third man, but the years have shown audiences are eager to fix the puzzle.