Rating of
4/4
Touch of Evil (restored orig. version) review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 11/03/12
The opening sequence alone will keep you glued all throughout while admiring the technical skills of Welles. One of the pioneer thrillers/film noir may come off slow in the beginning and shows some elements that are dated, its influence and impact however is legendary. Newlyweds Miguel "Mike" Vargas (Charlton Heston) and Susie (Janet Leigh), together with Police Chief Pete Gould (Harry Shannon), District Attorney Adair (Ray Collins), police Captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles) and Quinlan's longtime partner, Pete Menzies (Joseph Calleia) become involved with a car explosion from a planted bomb.
One of the best soundtracks of its genre with a solid cast, and from the director's efforts. Direction, cinematography and pace were fabulous as always, makes you feel part of the movie. Performances were convincing. Screenplay shines with lines: Tanya - "He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?" Ramon Miguel 'Mike' Vargas - "A policeman's job is only easy in a police state." Susan - "I could love being corny, if my husband would only cooperate." This picture is faultless, its subjects used until today and legacy untarnished. Touch of Evil is not only about police corruption (a theme used countless times), culture clash, newly weds, justice, but also image, deception and integrity.
