Touch of Evil (BFI Film Classics) by Richard Deming is another volume in this wonderful series on classic films. This particular entry approaches Touch of Evil as not just one of the best film noirs but also as a work influenced by expressionism.
While it has been several years since the last time I saw this film it is one that stays with a viewer for a long time. It is, broadly speaking, atmospheric as much as it is a narrative. Deming delves into what exactly this atmosphere is, and just to let you know, it isn't just the usual film noir atmosphere. There is an unease one feels while watching it, as well as periodic feelings of claustrophobia. In breaking down several of the scenes we find that Welles manipulates the viewer every bit as intentionally as he directs the actors.
Because I came to this initially as a fan of noir I hadn't given a lot of thought to what other influences or schools it might fall into. Deming makes a compelling case for this being expressionism as well, heavily influenced by German expressionism in particular. If you enjoy thinking about these elements of filmmaking, you will really like this book.
In addition, what is thematically at the heart of the movie? A murder case? Good vs bad? Moral vs immoral? Are these even distinct and separate entities when they are sought in the affairs of human beings? In fact one of the reasons the film can be a little unsettling to watch is because we don't always know who to pull for, who to despise, or even that we might be no better than the characters. Deming here discusses the ways in which ambiguity is part of every aspect of the film, from the screenplay to the shots to the rationales for actions that might otherwise signal where we should align our support. Is justice done? Did justice ever stand a chance? What even is justice?
I highly recommend this to film buffs and scholars as well as the casual film fan who happens to like this movie. There is a lot to consider and future viewings will benefit from having read this.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
ISBN-13:
978-1844579495
ISBN-10:
1844579492
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