Review of The Wages of Fear (1953) by Vineeta S — 11 Aug 2009
How can a b/w film in French, by a director never mentioned in the same breath as Truffaut or Godard, beguile audiences for nearly half a century? Not through a big budget or special effects but through classical film-making.
The setting is nowhere. The characters are from a community of human dregs. Their journey is a chance at redemption.
How do you make a highly allegorical film and keep it taut, suspenseful and naturalistic? Great acting is part of it; Clouzot uses close-ups, particularly of Yves Montand, to great effect. He also keeps a tight rein on the pace, paying cinematographic attention to tiny details. Clouzot suggests tensions among the characters, then expands on them, and we watch them change under pressure - the pressure of the perilous task they face, and the pressure they exert on each other.
The power of this unique film lies in its frank study of humanity battling a hostile universe - but its appeal lies in its ability to keep the whole story balanced and rolling along in an exciting, naturalistic style. A film of tight editing that highlights its expansive vision: there aren't many like it.
This review of The Wages of Fear (1953) was written by Vineeta S on 11 Aug 2009.
The Wages of Fear has generally received very positive reviews.
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