The Lady from Shanghai
1947. Directed by Orson Welles. Screenplay by Orson Welles, based on the novel "If I Die Before I Wake" by Sherwood King. Starring Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, Everett Sloane, and Glenn Anders.
"What's a tough guy? A guy with an edge. What makes him sing better than me? Something in here. What makes it loud? A microphone. That's his edge. A gun or a knife, a nightstick or a razor. Something the other guy ain't got. Yeah, a little extra reach on a punch instead of brass knuckles. A stripe on the sleeve, a badge that says 'cop' on it, a rock in your hand, or a bankroll in your pocket. That's an edge, brother. Without an edge, there ain't no tough guy."
I grabbed The Lady from Shanghai from the library as I walked past. I had been meaning to watch it a second time for years. I wasn't thrilled with it my first time, though that was years ago. I think, in part, I was uncomfortable with Welles' Irish brogue; it still doesn't sound quite right coming from his mouth, but it didn't detract from my experience this time. This time around, The Lady from Shanghai was a revelation. I was enthralled from the beginning. The action is intriguing, the characters are unique and surprising, and the dialogue is terrific. Welles was, as always, sharp as a director leaving us with images and transitions to savor. It is not often you stumble onto something this good, especially after having already seen it before, and this is a movie to cherish. It ranks right beside the classic film noirs, with Rita Hayworth a fine femme fatale and Welles terrific as the unfortunate fool who can't stop himself from going against his best judgement. Everett Sloane and Glenn Anders, with an unusual but fascinating vocal style, make terrific supporting characters. The film climaxes in the fun house with a shoot out in the hall of mirrors. The scene is deservedly famous but it is far from all this film has to offer. To rank it against Citizen Kane is obviously unfair, but rank it high among the work of one of our greatest filmmakers.
My grade: A
"What's a tough guy? A guy with an edge. What makes him sing better than me? Something in here. What makes it loud? A microphone. That's his edge. A gun or a knife, a nightstick or a razor. Something the other guy ain't got. Yeah, a little extra reach on a punch instead of brass knuckles. A stripe on the sleeve, a badge that says 'cop' on it, a rock in your hand, or a bankroll in your pocket. That's an edge, brother. Without an edge, there ain't no tough guy."
I grabbed The Lady from Shanghai from the library as I walked past. I had been meaning to watch it a second time for years. I wasn't thrilled with it my first time, though that was years ago. I think, in part, I was uncomfortable with Welles' Irish brogue; it still doesn't sound quite right coming from his mouth, but it didn't detract from my experience this time. This time around, The Lady from Shanghai was a revelation. I was enthralled from the beginning. The action is intriguing, the characters are unique and surprising, and the dialogue is terrific. Welles was, as always, sharp as a director leaving us with images and transitions to savor. It is not often you stumble onto something this good, especially after having already seen it before, and this is a movie to cherish. It ranks right beside the classic film noirs, with Rita Hayworth a fine femme fatale and Welles terrific as the unfortunate fool who can't stop himself from going against his best judgement. Everett Sloane and Glenn Anders, with an unusual but fascinating vocal style, make terrific supporting characters. The film climaxes in the fun house with a shoot out in the hall of mirrors. The scene is deservedly famous but it is far from all this film has to offer. To rank it against Citizen Kane is obviously unfair, but rank it high among the work of one of our greatest filmmakers.
My grade: A
posted by Keith Allison at 9:32 PM
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