The Black Book

There's quite a disconnect between the story (which makes a sham of French history, and has some of the silliest dialogue I've heard) and the visuals in the Mann/Alton collaboration. There are so many stunning shots that it almost overrides my brain saying "no!" while my eyes say "yes!"

Although a period film, it fits the noir bill pretty well. Loaded with stark visuals, vicious brutality, elaborate deceptions, suspenseful tension and brisk action. Slow to get started, but once the protagonist gets introduced, it moves swiftly with intriguing turns. Cummings fails to bring enough weight to this role and Basehart is a disappointment. However, Arnold Moss shines as the slimy, duplicitous Fouché. Ultimately, the tight script and stunning cinematography overcome the weaknesses.

The setting would seem to preclude it from being noir, but everything else begs to differ. The cinematography is astounding, maybe the best I've seen this month, and really fits the changing moods in a film full of changing allegiances, backstabbing and suspense. The performances are strong period piece performances, but they certainly carry a hint of the noir wit and sharpness. More than anything, though, it's a fun piece of intrigue.

So beautifully designed and shot that it's a shame nothing much else about the content works - muddled, confused (and confusing) storytelling is a major let-down, negating Mann's fine work behind the camera, and some juicy supporting work by Baseheart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SBvbBtT8Hk [480p]

(obra-prima)

The plot is convoluted, the script--despite some interesting Communist witch hunt parallels--is often silly, and Robert Cummings is just not up to the task. Still, Arlene Dahl is beautiful, creepy Richard Basehart is very fastidious and epicene as Robespierre, and the photography and direction are invariably atmospheric, often startling, and occasionally atonishing. This is some of Mann and Alton's finest work. It's a shame they didn't have more of a script to work with.

Just wow.

A lot of people really seem to like this but I found it a little underwhelming. That being said the use of light and shadow are great, the cinematography and direction were both solid, the acting not so much. The story wasn't that interesting to me either. Worth watching, even worth owning especially if you get it as part of the Noir Archives Blu-Ray set.

Another film that uses light to great advantage, making this below average story worth watching.

This variation of the French revolution was very moody. Got a lot of dark tones as it's main feature. Almost unpolished in it's execution. Felt like they had a vision, being overly enthusiastic about the noir trends of the day, but didn't quite have the fingerspitzgefühl to do it expertly. Still the atmosphere was there, and it was by far what was carrying the experience.