"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