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Mood:
- AtmosphericSuspensefulTenseBleakDisturbingStylized
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Plot:
- Police DetectiveCrime Gone AwryFighting the SystemPolice InvestigationPolice CorruptionCrimesDishonestyLaw Enforcement more...
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Genres:
- CrimeDramaMysteryThrillerFilm Noir
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Time/Period:
- 20th Century50s
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Place:
- Mexico
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Audience:
- Boys' Night
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Praise:
- ClassicCritically Acclaimed
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Based on:
- Based on Book
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Attitudes:
- SeriousRealistic
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Look:
- B&W
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Flag:
- Drugs/AlcoholViolent Content
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Touch of Evil, 1958
English, Spanish
USA
Profile of Touch of Evil
Touch of Evil can be described as tense, atmospheric, and suspenseful. The plot revolves around police corruption, crime gone awry, and a police detective. The main genres are drama, thriller, and crime. In terms of style, Touch of Evil is a film noir. In approach, it is serious and realistic. It is located in Mexico. Touch of Evil takes place in the 1950s. Visually, it is black and white. It is based on a book. Touch of Evil has received attention for being a classic and critically acclaimed. It is well suited for a boys' night. Note that it involves drugs/alcohol and violent content.
Summary of Touch of Evil
Orson Welles's TOUCH OF EVIL is nothing short of a masterpiece. Beginning with a three-minute-plus tracking crane shot, the film explodes onto the screen, literally--the marvelously expressive opening shot ends with a car blowing up, and that detonation sets into motion a classic noir tale of betrayal and murder. In a complex exploration of character and morality, Welles plays the racist Captain Hank Quinlan, a grotesque, troubled, and powerful figure who runs his small U.S. border town according to his own version of the law. Quinlan's brutishness and vulgarity contrast starkly with the idealism and playboy good looks of Charlton Heston as Mike Vargas, a Mexican detective trying to put away the leader of a dangerous family of drug dealers--the Grandis. In the U.S. with his new bride, Susie (Janet Leigh), Vargas becomes consumed with exposing Quinlan and his highly questionable methods--too busy to see that his own beautiful blonde bride is in serious danger from both Quinlan and the Grandis.
In 1998, Welles's film was restored closer to its creator's original vision, and it is a joy to behold. Every shot is impeccably crafted, every word of dialogue concise and pointed. The camerawork (by Russell Metty and John Russell) is stunning, particularly in the opening scene and the long single take in which Vargas believes he has caught Quinlan planting evidence. The supporting cast, led by Marlene Dietrich, Dennis Weaver, Akim Tamiroff, and Joseph Calleia, gives exhilarating performances. TOUCH OF EVIL, Welles's last studio film, is a near-perfect examination of the dark underbelly of society and the tragic downfall of a once proud man.
Details
| Language: | English, Spanish |
| Country: | USA |
| Release date: | 8 June 1958 |
| Runtime: | 111 min |
Cast and Crew
as Ramon Miguel 'Mike' Vargas
as Susan 'Susie' Vargas
Photos
Clips
Users Reviews
Orson Welles made two great masterpieces - Citizen Kane and this one. The movie is atmospheric, bleak and suspenseful. It inspired films like Training Day and shows like The Shield. It's about a police detective who will do anything to solve a case,...
- 09.August.2008
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- by: fletcher.munson
- fletcher.munson rated this movie
0/10
