Amazon.com essential video: Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles's film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all--it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles's original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles's directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles's control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. --Jeff Shannon
Excellent Movie Great movie, brilliant directing by Orson Welles.
Dennis Weaver as a mentally unstable night clerk is not to be missed.
Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh are matched up perfectly.
Orson Welles as a somewhat detestable, honest yet corrupt police officer is brilliantly portrayed.
Highly recommended.
Henry Mancini's Evil Touch Finally, the last true film noir gets the treatment it deserves. It goes without saying that 8 years ago Universal did a great job, when 'Touch Of Evil' was released in a version restored to Orson Welles' original vision. However, butchered as it may have been when the studio took it away from Welles back in 1958, I still have fond memories of the theatrical version, especially the famous opening sequence. In this sequence, which was filmed in one continuous take lasting 3 minutes and 20 seconds, the camera follows a car with a bomb in its trunk that eventually will explode, just after the car has passed the Mexican-American border. On the soundtrack of the theatrical version, this sequence was accompanied by an evil oozing theme written by Henry Mancini, full of rattling congas and a menacing dialogue between the horns. For the restored version, Mancini's title theme has been skipped. Welles felt the threatening atmosphere would be better established by sound effects and source music coming from the surroundings, such as car radios, footsteps, and snippets of dialogue. In my opinion, both versions have their merit. Compare them in this 50th anniversary edition (which also includes the preview version), and you'll agree that both Welles and Mancini had an evil touch.
Technically Great, But Lacking Citizen Kane's Insights Into Human Nature This is breath-takingly good, particularly the famous opening shot of the car bomb, Heston's performance, and great supporting work by Dietrich and Weaver. I find Wells' acting to be a bit overdone in the role as the "heavy" (in more ways than one).
I was disappointed, however, in the failure of the film to explore the ambiguities of human nature and to offer the insight into human nature that Citizen Kane does. I don't agree with commentators who would put "Touch of Evil" in the same category as "Citizen Kane." Citizen Kane is like a great novel which reveals new insights with each viewing. But apart from greater appreciation of Wells' technical genius, I don't think re-viewing of this movie offers us any new insights. The characters and the story here are a bit one-dimensional, at least in comparision with Citizen Kane.
The bonus material on the DVD is very disappointing. There is no commentary. But it is great to have on DVD the version that most resembles that intended by Wells.
Expressionistic extravaganza in the border town of darkness Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R6WFYBIDQ4OHZ I'm a hard-boiled DVD tough guy and I comment on the most intriguing aspects of Orson Welles' Touch of Evil. I'm Falcux and this is my case.
Orson would be pleased! "A TOUCH OF EVIL," I have to say, is one of my favorite films. This edition is as Orson Welles had wanted to release it in theaters. The opening scene is shot by a follow crane camera, that doesn't make any cuts. It just continues through the opening scene. In the theatrical release, the movie titles were on the screen, covering up this great scene. Yes, it is black & white. I wouldn't want to see it in color. Orson directed and starred in it. Charlton Heston (now with alzheimer's disease), and Janet Leigh (recently deceased), star. Marlene Dietrich makes a small appearance as well. Parts were filmed in Venice, California, but it passes for Mexico. It still holds up today and as I say, it's at the top of my list of favorites. It is also shown in widescreen.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
