Rent Odd Man Out (1947)

One of the classics - Odd Man Out review by Colin Taylor

Pure and simple: one of the classics of British cinema.Directed by Carol Reed, the director of 'The Third Man',its a film not to be missed. James Mason, in his best and his own favourite role, plays an IRA man on the run through the dark wet streets of Belfast. Wonderfully evocative,it features Robert Newton(who played Long john Silver in the original Disney film)in a magnificently OTT role as a painter, amongst a superb and varied (mostly Irish) cast. Worth it alone for the fantastic brawl in the pub,its a real gem that can be enjoyed again and again.

Belfast Noir. - Odd Man Out review by Steve

This critically adored catholic noir is a masterpiece of expressionist photography. James Mason plays an IRA boss who leads a robbery to fund their political machinery. He is wounded while shooting a guard and gets separated from his men. Then is left to wander through the dark, rainy streets of Belfast at night.

This is a realistic, bomb wrecked city of sympathisers and informers. But it is also a metaphysical place. As the killer becomes delirious from his bullet, his surroundings turn increasingly surreal. When the snow starts to fall, the streets become a mysterious agent of god's grace. The partisan is existentially alone, but his soul is saved.

James Mason dominates the film and delivers a magnetic, subdued performance, though his screen time is quite limited. Increasingly, the scene is seen through his eyes. The picture gets ever more distorted and dark as he begins to hallucinate while he passes thorough a series of encounters with an A-Z of Irish stage actors.

The film is damaged by a typically gung-ho performance by Robert Newton as an enraptured artist who wants to paint death. The script is didactic, though not interested in politics. The suspense gets stretched by the wordy religious themes. But the film is legendary for its stunning visual artistry, and Mason's powerful despair.