When Holly Martin, a western writer (Joseph Cotton), travels to Vienna to meet his old friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles), he is met with a big shock: Harry is dead; killed in a road accident. When a shocked, bewildered Holly asks the witnesses about the accident, their answers don't match up, and Holly believes there might be a third man involved
The Third Man (1949) is an amazing film-noir thriller directed by Carol Reed. I have only just started to get into noirs and this has most certainly confirmed my love for them. I think this film was particularly unusual and innovative because of the constant use of slightly slanted camera angles almost like a comic book. There were also lots of shots of a character talking to another character that has their back to the camera, this also made it very comic book like but added to the intensity which is needed in a film noir.
And for those of you who like films that keep you on your toes, this is certainly one of them! There are a lot of plot turns and it keeps you guessing but it is still believable.
Harry Martin is constantly torn and Cotton captures his nonchalant hero quality exceedingly well. Welles is also amazing as Harry, and Valli who plays Anna (Harry's lover) is also very dark, brooding but also warm. The acting is brilliant, no qualms there.
I have heard people in particular, my Mother complain about the plot holes in this movie. I can understand what she is saying but these so-called plot holes can be easily 'filled up' with a bit of common sense (I suggest the IMDb boards).
All in all, a purely magnificent film like so many other films of this genre. The story is witty, intelligent, dramatic but also slightly comedic at times, the acting realistic great performances from all but what truly sets this film apart is the cinematic experience that you get when you watch it, as it is completely fresh and nothing like I've seen before. Ten out of ten for this superb thriller noir.
The Third Man (1949) is an amazing film-noir thriller directed by Carol Reed. I have only just started to get into noirs and this has most certainly confirmed my love for them. I think this film was particularly unusual and innovative because of the constant use of slightly slanted camera angles almost like a comic book. There were also lots of shots of a character talking to another character that has their back to the camera, this also made it very comic book like but added to the intensity which is needed in a film noir.
And for those of you who like films that keep you on your toes, this is certainly one of them! There are a lot of plot turns and it keeps you guessing but it is still believable.
Harry Martin is constantly torn and Cotton captures his nonchalant hero quality exceedingly well. Welles is also amazing as Harry, and Valli who plays Anna (Harry's lover) is also very dark, brooding but also warm. The acting is brilliant, no qualms there.
I have heard people in particular, my Mother complain about the plot holes in this movie. I can understand what she is saying but these so-called plot holes can be easily 'filled up' with a bit of common sense (I suggest the IMDb boards).
All in all, a purely magnificent film like so many other films of this genre. The story is witty, intelligent, dramatic but also slightly comedic at times, the acting realistic great performances from all but what truly sets this film apart is the cinematic experience that you get when you watch it, as it is completely fresh and nothing like I've seen before. Ten out of ten for this superb thriller noir.