Review of The Third Man (1949) by Darrell H — 14 Feb 2010
What is there to say about The Third Man that hasn't been said before? One of those all-too-rare films without a misstep or a false note, The Third Man works on so many levels it's not even funny.
If it's plot you want, The Third Man has a great one, following an American hack writer on his quest through post-war Vienna to find out the truth behind the death - or is it murder? - of his friend.
If it's acting that draws you to film, The Third Man has any number of great performances, though for my money, none can top Orson Welles's brief but spellbinding turn, in which he creates a complex, fascinating character and one of the most chilling villains in all of cinema in nothing more than a few words delivered on a ferris wheel ride.
Social commentary more your thing? There's layers on layers to dissect here, with a strong subtext about American involvement in Europe and the way our lack of information leads us to horrible blunders - something, it seems, we haven't learned over time.
And there's so much more, from the brilliant use of noir genre staples to the classic music, from the smart humor to the breathtaking cinematography (that sewer sequence never fails to stun, does it?), all the way to the pitch-perfect, simple, and effective final shot that says everything without a single line of dialogue.
It's a brilliant film, the perfect kickoff to the Belcourt's second noir fest, and the chance to see a print of it...well, it was a rare treat.
This review of The Third Man (1949) was written by Darrell H on 14 Feb 2010.
The Third Man has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
