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The Third Man
Pulp novelist Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find
himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, black-market opportunist Harry Lime (Orson Welles).
himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, black-market opportunist Harry Lime (Orson Welles).
A memorable British film noir, shot a few years after the end of the 2nd World War.
The film manages to convey the environment of Vienna under Allied occupation in a very persuasive manner. The environment of the city and the sense of mystery and change that permeates her are perhaps the film's strongest points.
The partly ruined, yet magnificent imperial city; its empty, dark alleys; the elusive behaviour of its residents, just resurfacing from nazi occupation; and the mutually suspicious allied forces of East and West create a world in fluidity and change, that the newly arrived American fellow tries to navigate, putting his life into peril.
Orson Welles makes the difference, despite his brief appearance. I am looking forward to watching his masterpiece, Citizen Cane.
The film manages to convey the environment of Vienna under Allied occupation in a very persuasive manner. The environment of the city and the sense of mystery and change that permeates her are perhaps the film's strongest points.
The partly ruined, yet magnificent imperial city; its empty, dark alleys; the elusive behaviour of its residents, just resurfacing from nazi occupation; and the mutually suspicious allied forces of East and West create a world in fluidity and change, that the newly arrived American fellow tries to navigate, putting his life into peril.
Orson Welles makes the difference, despite his brief appearance. I am looking forward to watching his masterpiece, Citizen Cane.
4,5/5
1949
104 min
Director: Carol Reed
Writer: Graham Greene
Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten and Alida Valli
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