The Third Man - Review

The Third Man was directed by Carol Reed in 1949, it is rightly considered a classic within the film industry and has won numerous awards since its release, including an academy award in 1951 for best cinematography. The masterpiece benefits from a colourful cast, intriguing story (Based on Graham Greene's novel) both psychologically and historically and a stimulating music score.
The story is based in post war Vienna, the city is divided into zones (English, French, Russian.)
An American pulp fiction writer by the name of Holly Martins is visiting his friend Harry Lime, on his arrival Holly discovers that His friend has been killed in an accident; choosing to follow up the mystery behind his death Holly learns things about Lime and morality he never deemed believable.
The film's symbolism, ethics, messages and values are represented in the imbeccable cast, zither soundtrack, unbeatable imagery and Greene's original storyline and ideology for the stunning success.
The Film has undoubtedly aged well and still plays a huge part in modern film making, directing, acting and story writting, let alone the morality which we live by.

third man review

"The Third Man" was directed by Carole Redd and released 4 years after the second world war in 1949. The film is a priceless classic being critically acclaimed winning numerous awards such as the britsh academy award, cannes film festival (1949) and was also selected the top british film of the 20th century.

The story sets off with american western writer Holly Martins ariving in war torn vienna, looking for his friends harry lime who has offered him employment. However, soon after his arrival, he gets plunged into an adventure of mystery, action and romance. The "bombed about" streets create the perfect envoiroment for setting this noir masterpeice. Throughout the dark allyways and funnel neck streets give you a feeling on unease and suspense as throughout you never know what will be around the corner.

The films mise-en-scene is also very creative and builds upon my last point. Throughout there are canted camera angles, shots obscured by stair banisters and lighting perfecting the gloomy shadows of the characters and also the feel of the aftermath of the true horrors of the second world war.

This film is an overall classic, great directing, great cast and a great set. I definatly recommend this film to any lover of noir style films, students of art or anyone into a good mystery film now and then.

jam x

The Third man (Carol Reed 1949)

The Third Man is set in post war Vienna. The war stricken city acts as a backdrop for the black market deeds that were rife in cities across Europe in the 1940's. The Third Man focuses on one of the perhaps more sinister events of this era.

The story is thick with themes of morality, survival and judgement. These were all topics that would have been on the minds of citizens everywhere in wars aftermath. when everybody was trying to get by. The political stanze of the film is played down alot but the structure for a debate on super powers is definately evident within the film. The city is split into 5 sectors russian/british/american/french and the international sector in the middle of it all.

It is evident that the actors and actresses that were chosen to play the lead characters were well thought out (this can also been seen in the extras in the dvd) For example the high and mighty Orson Welles playing the imoral blackmarket fiend. His personality shining through, his ego entwined with the character's.

i thouroughly enjoyed this film and suggest anybody who enjoys a 'not your average noir' to go and buy it.


 

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