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Reviews
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1956)
Absurd story and weak script
This has got to be the worst Lang film ever. No wonder this was his last American film. He must have been kicked out of Hollywood for directing such a cold, uninteresting and absurdly flat film. The writer must have written the script when he was in grade school. The script went something like this: Hey, I was always against capitol punishment, how about you take the rap for this girl's murder? Just to prove that innocent men can be convicted. But don't worry, I will take pic. of you as you fabricate the evidence and just before you are being sent to the electric chair, I will come forward to testify what we have done. Just to prove to the world my point. Well, I don't know. Do they have any leads who the real murderer is? Well, let me call headquarters. No, not any leads. Well then OK I guess I will do it! Now attempting to point all evidence that he was the murder, he plants evidence. Then he has to get one of the dancing girls to take notice of him so he can date her. What to do? I know. I will go to her local hangouts and spill water on her dress. Then try to offer her money to buy a new dress. AND IT WORKED. But the dancing burlesque girl has these funny feelings because he wants to go parking! What a suspicious thing to do! SO I guess I will call the Police! This movie was so contrived. Everything about it was ridiculous and far fetched as to be totally unbelievable from the beginning.
Talk About a Stranger (1952)
Not a thriller or film noir at all
I found this film to be quite boring and the plot just plain silly. Once the boy finds his dog dead, with the expertise of a vet, he exclaims, "My dog has been poisoned!, and it was Dr. Mahler!" Even more ridiculous, his father responds, " I wouldn't put it past him!" Then they go to the mysterious Dr.'s house to confront him, only to hear his denial and leave. Definitely a kids movie to teach the morals of not "judging a book by it's cover". But if anyone
thinks this is even mildly creepy, you would never survive the Boston subway system. No wonder why the director did not direct any major film for over 8 years after this piece of silliness. Some good camera work, but it still feels like a Leaver it to Beaver episode. Watch it at your own risk.
Chung Hing sam lam (1994)
All Art No plot
The film is an experiment in film technique. However the plot and story are non-existent. the film dragged on, as I hoped it would get better, but it seemed not to know what it wanted to say. It was if the filmmaker, was saying, "Hey, look at what I can do, after watching MTV for 20 years!" The hand held camera work and the totally distracting jump cuts were arty, but left the viewer restless and bored.
The film was divided into two separate stories. The first half was incomplete and confusing. The second half boring and tedious with no dramatic tension. The other posts seem to think that part of the film is noir. However, just because Brigitte Lin runs around in a silly rain jacket and sunglasses and shoots people with a revolver for no apparent reason, doesn't make it a film-noir. Additionally, she did not dupe or double cross anyone, the lighting was NOT noir. One poster seemed to think the character was modeled after Barbara Stanwyck, however she was actually a poor copy of Gloria, directed by Cassavetes. ( non-noir)
I am trying to determine why the other posters gave it rave reviews when I could care less about any of the characters. The story was so full of holes that It was a bit annoying. For instance, the girl secretly enters the guys apartment for what seemed a month cleaning, and changing things, yet the guy didn't even notice? And there is a leak in the apartment and the next thing we know, the filmmaker goes into another jump cut to another day without an explanation.
Don't waste your time with this unless you want to see some experimental, arty and unique camera techniques. If you want to sit down and watch a great story, you will be disappointed.