DIRECTED BY Orson Welles
YEAR 1963

ALSO STARRING
Jeanne Moreau, Romy Shneider, Orson Welles

BEST QUOTE
While Jeanne Moreau is lying on the bed, Tony sits on the edge talking about the interrogation that just happened, all the while *slowly* leaning in closer and closer to her. He finishes with "Even the angels have temptations..." and they kiss. So sexy! I love black and white movies!

BEST MOMENT
Getting intimate with Romy Shneider on a pile of books. Of course, he gets a bit of sugar from every girl in the movie, but this was the best! I loved the way he wraps his coat around her.

WORST MOMENT
The fact that to this day, although I really really enjoy this film, I don't understand anything that went on.

MY REVIEW
Hmmm.... I'm still scratching my head! This is an absolutely beautifully filmed piece of noir cinema, in fact on the DVD cover Orson Welles is quoted as calling it "The best film I ever made". However, it still leaves me utterly confused. It's like I'm watching it, but not taking anything in. To me, there is no real plot progression - just a long, nightmarish problem, with a very sudden climax at the end. I would shrug and say that maybe I'm just not intelligent enough to grasp Kafka's themes and appreciate the genius behind this film, because I simply do not have any interest in Law processes. It's just such a complex web.

Regardless of that, I admire the artistry of the camera angles and moody lighting (greatly complimenting Tony's striking looks and mannerisms). I see it more of an art piece rather than actual storytelling...

About two years ago I went to a local theatre to see a production of The Trial by a group of drama students from a nearby university. If you've ever seen "She's All That", try to picture the scene when Freddy Prinze Jnr. is sitting awkwardly watching that bizarre art-house play - because that's what it was like! It was embarrassingly weird, and if it's even possible, was more confusing! I thought it would enlighten me and give a new perspective but I thought wrong, so very very wrong indeed! My mum once asked me, "If Tony Perkins wasn't in this, would you even be watching it?". The answer was sadly, "Probably not". But Tony is absolutely great in it, he really holds it together and makes it intriguing for viewers who wouldn't normally be attracted to this kind of film.

I loved his conversation with Jeanne Moreau in her bedroom, after she comes home from a long night of drinking and stripping at a club! There are a lot if instances where, bewildered expression in his eyes, he looks into the camera as he says his lines - something that is quite rare in very old films, so rather than being voyeurs we are engaged directly. If you are a fan of Orson Welles' work you will enjoy this too, but as a film in general I found it quite weak. But nevertheless it is quite interesting and worth a look; the mutual respect between Perkins and Welles comes across very strongly - the director filming the actor almost as an admirer. If you like it, definitely see one of their other collaborations; Ten Days Wonder.

SEE THIS IF YOU LIKE:
Citizen Kane, Touch of Evil