Review of Touch of Evil (1958) by Marlo V — 13 Jun 2009
Spectacular in every imaginable way, Orson Welles' endlessly fascinating noir "Touch Of Evil" is one of the best movies ever shot. No doubt about that. It's a galvanizing dark potboiler that combines impeccable production artistry with outstanding storytelling.
"Touch Of Evil" encompasses numerous controversial subjects not usually found in the movies of 1950s, such as police corruption, sexual abduction, racism and drug abuse. The movie's raw power lies in a slick screenplay that connects the three interweaving story lines into one intense-as-hell narrative with characters as rich and well-defined as ever.
Unrecognizable Welles is astonishingly evil as the notorious police chief Harry Quinlan. Charlton Heston playing Mexican police investigator Mike Vargas gives almost equally powerful performance. Vivian Leigh starring as both smart and beautiful Vargas' American wife Susan seems also at the top of her game.
Nevertheless, "Touch Of Evil" is Welles' movie through and through. His heart is visible in every precisely staged frame of the movie. In an inventive manner, he applied handheld cameras, wide-angle shots and constant intercutting to keep the story so relentlessly tense.
From the famous tracking opening shot perfectly setting up the plot, through the absurdly disturbing scene of Susan's abduction, to the nerve-racking, yet poetic finale, "Touch Of Evil" is a delightful study of depravity.
10/10 (A+).
This review of Touch of Evil (1958) was written by Marlo V on 13 Jun 2009.
Touch of Evil has generally received very positive reviews.
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