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Touch of Evil

Touch of Evil

Orson Welles

  • 1958
  • USA
  • Film noir
  • 1h51mn
  • Original version with French subtitles
  • Black and white
Brand new master 4K
A dignitary is murdered in an explosion on the US-Mexican border. The investigation opposes two policemen: righteous Mike Vargas and corrupt Hank Quinlan who wants to lay the blame on an innocent to ensure his personal glory.
After years in exile, Touch of Evil marks Orson Welles’s return to Hollywood thanks to Charlton Heston’s support. The filmmaker, at the peak of his baroque inspiration, transcends a conventional noir script into a feverish noir and demented movie, a living nightmare about the contamination of evil, punctuated by pure cinema moments like its impressive opening long shot. Orson Welles plays the villain with all his grandeur and genius, an undeniable asset of this movie that confounded viewers when released.

J.G. Thirlwell

Orson Welles’ black and white noir classic from 1958 about corruption on the US / Mexico border begins with the legendary three and a half minute uninterrupted crane shot, and journeys through a gorgeous pulp terrain, underpinned by Henry Mancini’s stunning score. Its moody atmosphere and stark camera angles, as well as Welles’ seedy portrayal as cop Hank Quinlan, will haunt your dreams.

Screenings

09/09 • 14h15 • Screen 300
Screening presented by J.G. Thirlwell

Credits

  • With : Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Orson Welles, Akim Tamiroff, Joseph Calleia...
  • Screenplay : Orson Welles
  • Photography : Russell Metty
  • Editing : Aaron Stell, Virgil W. Vogel, Walter Murch
  • Music by : Henry Mancini, Joseph Gershenson
  • Production : Albert Zugsmith, Rick Schmidlin