Review of Touch of Evil (1958) by Luke P — 23 Jan 2008

When the opening of a film is a meticulously choreographed, 3 minute long shot, you know your in for something special, and thats exactly what you get with Touch of Evil. Written and directed by Orson Welles (at star Charlton Heston's request) in 1958, before being taken out of his hands, re-edited and released as the second part of a double bill.

These actions caused Welles to write a passionate letter detailing how he had originally envisioned the film to be. In 1998, his wishes were fulfilled and the film was re-cut. With such a complicated back-story, is the film itself actually any good? Answer: yes, yes, yes.

Deliciously dark, with a constantly twisting plot, snappy dialogue, and all the technical and visual flourishes you would expect from the man who made Citizen Kane. The performances are all top notch too.

Orson Welles is a gargantuan presence, the kind of cop who wouldn't look out of place in Sin City, chomping on a cigar, branding out his own form of justice. Charlton Heston (the least convincing Mexican ever!) more than holds his own against the mammoth Welles, while Janet Leigh, Marlene Dietrich and Dennis Weaver are all excellent.

A really brilliant film, 50 years old, but still feels fresh today. A true classic.