The Third Man (1949)
The 3rd Man
Raiting: 
8,1 /10
Genre: Filmnoir
Director: Carol Reed
Stars: Joseph Cotten, Orson Welles and Alida Valli
Country: United Kingdom
Release date: 31 August 1949
Length: 104 minutes
"The Third Man", directed by Carol Reed and released in 1949, is a film noir masterpiece set in post-World War II Vienna, a city divided among the Allies and rife with intrigue, corruption, and desperation. The story follows Holly Martins, an American writer of Western novels, who arrives in Vienna at the invitation of his old friend Harry Lime. However, Martins' arrival is met with the shocking news that Lime has recently died in a peculiar traffic accident.
Driven by loyalty to his friend and a growing suspicion around the circumstances of Lime's death, Martins decides to investigate. His inquiries lead him into the dark corners of Vienna, through a labyrinth of deceit and moral ambiguity. He encounters an array of characters, including Lime's grieving lover, Anna Schmidt, who is caught in her own struggles with the occupying forces. Martins is also confronted by Major Calloway, a British officer who reveals unsettling truths about Lime's involvement in black market dealings, particularly in diluted penicillin, which has led to the deaths and suffering of many, including children.
The deeper Martins delves into the mystery, the more complex and dangerous the web of lies becomes. A pivotal moment occurs when Martins attends what he believes to be Lime's funeral, only to later encounter Lime alive, revealing that his death was faked. The iconic reveal of Lime in a shadowy doorway, illuminated by a sudden light, is one of cinema's most memorable moments, showcasing Orson Welles' magnetic portrayal of the charismatic yet morally bankrupt Harry Lime.
The climax of the film unfolds in the sewers beneath Vienna, where Martins finally confronts Lime in a tense and dramatic chase. This sequence is not only a technical achievement for its time but also serves as a metaphor for the moral descent and entrapment of the characters. The film concludes with Martins faced with a moral dilemma, torn between his loyalty to Lime and his revulsion at Lime's crimes. In the end, justice prevails, but not without a sense of ambiguity and loss.
"The Third Man" is celebrated for its atmospheric cinematography, capturing the ruins and shadows of post-war Vienna to create a haunting backdrop for the story. The zither score by Anton Karas adds a unique and unforgettable sound to the film, enhancing its mood and setting. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and moral questions, "The Third Man" remains a towering achievement in film noir, offering a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.
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"The Third Man", directed by Carol Reed and released in 1949, is a film noir that has stood the test of time, often cited as one of the greatest movies ever made. Set against the backdrop of a shadowy, post-World War II Vienna, the film weaves a complex narrative of crime, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The film stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, an American writer who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue following the mysterious death of his friend Harry Lime, played by Orson Welles.
One of the film's most striking features is its atmospheric cinematography by Robert Krasker, which won an Academy Award. The use of stark lighting, unconventional camera angles, and the haunting ruins of Vienna create a palpable tension that grips the viewer throughout the story. The city itself becomes a character, its divided zones and bombed-out buildings reflecting the fractured moral landscape of the time.
Orson Welles' portrayal of Harry Lime is nothing short of iconic; although his screen time is limited, his presence looms over the entire film. Welles brings a charming menace to the role, making Lime a charismatic yet ultimately sinister figure. Joseph Cotten's Holly Martins provides the perfect counterbalance, a man whose initial naivety is slowly stripped away as he delves deeper into the corruption surrounding him. The supporting cast, including Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt and Trevor Howard as Major Calloway, deliver strong performances that round out the film's complex world.
The zither music by Anton Karas is another defining element of "The Third Man." The score, played entirely on a single instrument, is both jaunty and foreboding, setting an unforgettable tone that complements the film's visual style. It adds an almost ironic cheerfulness to the dark and suspenseful narrative.
Carol Reed's direction is masterful, combining a tight script, innovative sound and music, and visual flair to create a suspenseful thriller that also serves as a commentary on the moral complexities of the time. The film's exploration of loyalty, greed, and the cost of war resonates as much today as it did at the time of its release. "The Third Man" is a cinematic gem that remains a benchmark for filmmakers and a must-see for lovers of the genre and cinema in general.
In summary, "The Third Man" is a masterpiece of mood, character, and storytelling. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, and its themes remain as relevant as ever. For its innovative craftsmanship and enduring impact, "The Third Man" deserves its place in the pantheon of classic cinema.