The Third Man

Yes I know it's a classic. Yes I love old movies. No I did not like this film. Weird soundtrack, creepy closeups of background actors. This just didn't do it for me.

Its an early, typical noir with a great setting and design. It very strangely has a soft ukulele-like score that, to me, does not fit the setting or story at all. Needed more Orson Welles for sure, he was the best and most interesting part and performer on screen for the few times he was.

After arriving in post-war Vienna to visit his long-time friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles), Holly Martins is shocked to learn that Lime has recently been killed in a car accident outside his home. However, after some sleuthing, he begins to believe that there is more to the story than one would have initially believed. Carol Reed’s The Third Man is a stylish and clever mystery, featuring an endlessly interesting story, smart writing, strong performances, and some great cinematography (including some oddly angled but effective shots) and lighting, especially in the climatic chase through the sewer system. However, you have to wonder about the music score. Apologists will somehow justify it, but the constant use of peppy tunes on the zither sucks the drama from many of the scenes, including the exhuming of Lime’s body in the cemetery sequence. It’s a shame that would should have been one of the all-time greats is marred by the annoyance of a zither.

Must see movie with Welles and Cotten. Two great actors performing one of my favorites mistery movies. Outstanding ending.

Unrealistic and the choice of music made no sense. Sounded like it tried to be a comedy movie. But I wanted the mystery to be solved, so I guess it works.

One of the defining noir films, The Third Man was a great film that kept me quite engaged the whole time. It's a delight to see the mystery being put together through the amazing writing. The highlight of this film was definitely the last part with the thrilling sewer chase and haunting final shot.

3.5 stars; This was my third time seeing The Third Man. Each time I see it, I appreciate it as a classic a little bit more. I truly love the cinematography, and the music is haunting. I guess I'm just not that sophisticated at movie critique. Just about any reference to this film features the iconic performance of Orson Welles. I guess I missed the point. To me, Joseph Cotten was the star. Mr. Welles did not show up until two-thirds of the way through the movie. Trevor Howard and Alida Valli played more significant roles. Carol Reed and Graham Greene should also be lauded for their contributions to this classic.

Both plot and cinematography is beautifully strung together. it's easy to see why it's a classic

Before colour. Before Orson Welles went loopy. A classic film everyone should see at least once.

It was interesting and has a good twist to it.