Touch of Evil

The noir era probably couldn't have asked for a better ending. Orson Welles could have been as fat as he wanted, even though he added to his repulsiveness in the film, but he still shows just how great a creator he was in every aspect. The musical component of this film is almost unbelievable, as well as the excellent performances, turning Charlton Heston into a Mexican. Everything works perfectly for him. (01/26/2015)

Touch of Evil is undoubtedly a film legend, and I could create a presidential campaign speech from the superlatives in the comments. However, Orson Welles is not a director that I will not criticize. To tell the truth, I have only seen The Magnificent Ambersons from him so far, and I haven't even made time for the legendary Citizen Kane yet, so I can confidently declare that Touch of Evil is more of a disaster than a great thriller. It certainly has its strengths, such as good camera work and the acting performance of Orson Welles himself, who aged and deteriorated unrecognizably for the success of the film. However, the screenplay, dialogue, and unfortunately, even the direction significantly sink the film, and it doesn't work at all as a genre film in my eyes. To be honest, I would possibly add comedy to the genres this film was categorized in because I constantly felt that the screenwriter and director simply couldn't be serious. But while Hitchcock intentionally lightened his thrillers with humorous scenes, here I feel that it's more about the charm of unintended humor. It is naive, detached from reality, and unfortunately, also boring. A film noir crime thriller should be built on suspense and surprise, but there was not even a hint of that here. It was a significant disappointment for me and I realized that I would never watch this film again. Overall impression: 40%. (10/30/2012)

A tar-black noir that Marlene made for Welles for a pittance. The production was very demanding, so it was necessary for everyone who was able to contribute. Marlene went about it in a fancy way - she just transformed her costume from Golden Earrings. The rest was swept away by history, and the almost director's cut didn't see the light of day until 1998. (07/28/2015)

"Come on, read my future for me." - "You haven't got any. Your future is all used up." The crane shots, low-angle views of a truly earthy nature, expressionistic elements, unnatural shadows creeping across walls and ceilings, and Henry Mancini's unmistakable touch in the musical score. The form is so grand that it might fit into Orson’s lobe, but what about the content, which shows the naturalness of Heston’s tan? Forget about it; even Quinlan’s lame leg had already felt that technical brilliance. (11/20/2023)

A scrumptious noir starring the great Orson Welles in an unforgettable role as a cop with a genius nose for the perpetrator but a penchant for chocolate or possibly stronger drink. A perfect contrast to the sleek Charlton Heston with his Mexican moustache, young mistress and unbreakable moral compass. The magic is in the details and between the lines. Touch of Evil has been copied many times, but there will only be one original. (05/31/2023)