The idea for 'Scarlet Street' sounded great, and my interest in the film increased. Knowing that Fritz Lang (who directed masterpieces such as 'Metropolis' and 'M', both of which are very influential in their respective genres and film overall) directed and that it starred an actor as great as Edward G. Robinson (who throughout his career excelled in both supporting character roles and leading ones). Those two reasons are reasons enough to see any film, either one or the other and even better both.
Also because it had Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea, very talented too, and they starred with Robinson in 'The Woman in the Window' (also directed by Lang), also worth seeing. Seeing 'Scarlet Street' recently, it was also a very, very good film and close to greatness. Greatness it would have been if one subplot had been excised. Both 'The Woman in the Window' and 'Scarlet Street' are more than well worth seeing, musts if fans of the film-noir genre (put myself in this category), with this getting the slight edge for namely having a much better ending.
My only real complaint is the returning husband from the dead subplot, that was not necessary and the execution of it was silly.
Lang however is at the top of his game here. His direction may not be the best he did throughout his career, but he nails the moody atmosphere and his unmistakable style so perfectly suited is all over the film, he directs tightly yet still allows some breathing space as well. The murder scene is uncompromisingly brutal. 'Scarlet Street' is further advantaged by great performances, Robinson does a fantastic job in the lead role, tough yet also easy to root for. Bennett may seem too classy in looks for such a hard-edged film, but she is very appealing while Duryea shows why he was better than most at that time at playing sinister characters.
'Scarlet Street' looks impressive too. the moodiness of the lighting and slickness of the editing are striking but it is the beautifully composed and atmospheric photography that stands out. The music is ominous enough. The script is intelligent and taut, taking no punches while having darkly ironic humour. This uncompromising approach also carries over in the complicated (without being overly-so, it's always coherent) and twisty plotting, complete with a climax that still evokes chills. The tension is aplenty and enough to make one bite the nails, while the characters intrigue.
On the whole, very, very good. 8/10
Also because it had Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea, very talented too, and they starred with Robinson in 'The Woman in the Window' (also directed by Lang), also worth seeing. Seeing 'Scarlet Street' recently, it was also a very, very good film and close to greatness. Greatness it would have been if one subplot had been excised. Both 'The Woman in the Window' and 'Scarlet Street' are more than well worth seeing, musts if fans of the film-noir genre (put myself in this category), with this getting the slight edge for namely having a much better ending.
My only real complaint is the returning husband from the dead subplot, that was not necessary and the execution of it was silly.
Lang however is at the top of his game here. His direction may not be the best he did throughout his career, but he nails the moody atmosphere and his unmistakable style so perfectly suited is all over the film, he directs tightly yet still allows some breathing space as well. The murder scene is uncompromisingly brutal. 'Scarlet Street' is further advantaged by great performances, Robinson does a fantastic job in the lead role, tough yet also easy to root for. Bennett may seem too classy in looks for such a hard-edged film, but she is very appealing while Duryea shows why he was better than most at that time at playing sinister characters.
'Scarlet Street' looks impressive too. the moodiness of the lighting and slickness of the editing are striking but it is the beautifully composed and atmospheric photography that stands out. The music is ominous enough. The script is intelligent and taut, taking no punches while having darkly ironic humour. This uncompromising approach also carries over in the complicated (without being overly-so, it's always coherent) and twisty plotting, complete with a climax that still evokes chills. The tension is aplenty and enough to make one bite the nails, while the characters intrigue.
On the whole, very, very good. 8/10