Review of Touch of Evil (1958) by Matthew L — 24 Aug 2008

Well, I have to agree with everyone else. This definitely has one of the best opening tracking shots ever. I also felt that the whole movie had great direction. Orson Welles really doesn't waste shots and kept a amazing cinematic energy going.

I really felt like the film never slowed down and that things kept progressing very rapidly. Everything looks so good the whole time. Every shot looks as if it's been handled with as much care and intention as the first.

All the acting is great, especially Welles and Heston. I've never been a huge fan of Heston but he is perfect in this and he really does look Mexican. He plays one very well. Welles, once I got over how fat he was, is amazing.

Not only does he have a dramatic entrance(which he is known for), he really plays his character perfectly. I thought the score was also amazing and it made a lot of scenes very intense. The script is one of the best parts of the film.

It feels very modern. The whole movie does. That's what surprised me most. This film feels more recent than a lot of thrillers today.