Rent The Third Man (1949)

Cold War Noir (spoiler). - The Third Man review by Steve

Voted by the BFI as the best ever UK film. Carol Reed directed it on amphetamines, shooting round the clock on the streets (and sewers) of Vienna. It's a nervy, pessimistic, infinitely melancholic film. There is humour, but even the rat-a-tat of irony and mustn't-grumble make do that is a given in all British films of the post-war era, is muted here.

The ambience of the divided, devastated post war Vienna is profound thanks to brilliant locations and Robert Krasker's off kilter expressionist photography. The casting of local actors in support roles also contributes. It takes about an hour for Orson Welles to appear as Harry Lime, and he gives the story a huge boost.

Joseph Cotten is a decent lead, but perhaps better with a British actor. Trevor Howard was born to snap out these terse exchanges. Best of all is Graham Greene's thrilling, elegiac script of the unscrupulous trafficker in the ruined city as it slips from the World War into the Cold War. Realistic, yet deeply poetical. The greatest original screenplay in cinema. 

This is a constant spool of brilliant scenes, from Carol Reed's opening clipped narrative overture, to the stunning coda at the cemetery. The hero not only doesn't get the girl (Alidi Valli), but she lives out her life in the memory of a psychopath... It is a  flawless work of suspense and fascinating moral complexity.

Outstanding for its time - The Third Man review by JD

For a 1949 film it is a masterpiece. It richly deserves to have won the cinematography award. I do not think modern cinematography is better, it has just got a few more tricks. The style of acting has since changed alot and mainly for the good. It is very theatrical and projected especially Orson who sometimes looks as though he is doing Bob Hope impressions. Well worth a nostalgic trip.