Review of The Third Man (1949) by Anders B — 13 Oct 2009
Carol Reed's tale of a paperback writer investigating the "death" of his friend in post-war Vienna is rightly considered a modernist classic. The ever under-praised Joseph Cotten is wonderful as Holly Martin, equally naïve and world-weary, battling his own personal demons at the bottom of a bottle while confronted with his dear friend's crimes.
The inimitable Orson Welles' Harry Lime is a wonderful scoundrel. The "glorious" black-and-white photography is wonderful, especially the night shots of Vienna's rain swept streets. And who would have thought that Anton Karas' zither score would work so well in a thriller? It's also interesting to consider the impact that screenwriter Graham Greene had on the film.
It feels apiece with Greene's other works that I've read, both for its sense of place and the moral interogations. Like The Quiet American it is a portrait of the duty and morality of a crumbling Old World empire, and the unsuspecting Americans who are eager to pick up the pieces.
This review of The Third Man (1949) was written by Anders B on 13 Oct 2009.
The Third Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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