Early entry in the film-noir cycle and taking place in a "real-time" post war milieu, this one has the odd distinction of not having any Americans in the story. Even our beleaguered War Hero is Canadian. This was a trend that developed during the war as the world began to shrink rapidly and we all became Earth citizens.
The darkness and ambiguity of the film is by design. Although the Axis had been defeated it did not come without a very heavy toll. Here the psychological pain manifesting itself in dizziness and headaches slows down but does not stop our angry, bitter, revenge seeking husband from taking on what's left of the "scum, not salt, of the earth".
Some very typical cynical dialog and fast talking back and forth keep things moving, as does the interesting lighting and claustrophobic sets that "corner" this joyless juggernaut as he stumbles through a maze of deception to defeat not only the murderers of his wife but the enemies of the free world and their diabolical determination.
Heavy going, deep and convoluted plot developments, and wordy transitions make for an uneasy visionary venture infected with PTSD. This is how film-noir celebrated V-Day.
The darkness and ambiguity of the film is by design. Although the Axis had been defeated it did not come without a very heavy toll. Here the psychological pain manifesting itself in dizziness and headaches slows down but does not stop our angry, bitter, revenge seeking husband from taking on what's left of the "scum, not salt, of the earth".
Some very typical cynical dialog and fast talking back and forth keep things moving, as does the interesting lighting and claustrophobic sets that "corner" this joyless juggernaut as he stumbles through a maze of deception to defeat not only the murderers of his wife but the enemies of the free world and their diabolical determination.
Heavy going, deep and convoluted plot developments, and wordy transitions make for an uneasy visionary venture infected with PTSD. This is how film-noir celebrated V-Day.