manderstoke

A perfect film noir with excellent acting from both the stars and the supporting cast. Mason is superb (when wasn't he?) and Carol Reed's many close-ups reminded us how beautiful "the Dark Young God" was in his 30s and 40s. The camera loved that face. Bloom is lovely and perfectly captures the innocence which is such a foil to the cynical, tormented Mason. Some reviewers have been critical of the rather long buildup to the love story, but I think it was necessary in order to flesh-out their respective characters and intentions. As for Mason's German accent, several commentators have remarked on its accuracy. For myself, I didn't much care for it because I love the original James Mason voice and don't much like any of his accents, except for the Irish lilt in ODD MAN OUT. The photography in this film cannot be praised enough and I loved the stark, haunting soundtrack. A pity that it hasn't been recorded. I have seen this film several times and it only improves with age (unlike Ivo Kern). A solid 10 for this one.

One of the earlier reviewers suggested that the film takes "the easy way out." I partially agree, but think that the real reason for the disappointing finale was the censors. They, in their moral righteousness, did their very best to ruin any number of UK and American films. In this case, the ending makes little sense. Otherwise, a very satisfying early addition to the film noir genre. The photography and pacing are perfect and carry the bleak mood. A minor quibble is that the notion of the lovers breaking off wasn't totally credible, but then, perhaps it was a different moral universe in the 1940s. Mason, as always, is excellent to the point that the viewer cannot take his eyes off of him (not that one would want to). Pamela is a hateful character, as from all reports, she was in real life.