I have been discovering a lot of new names as of late by checking out various film noirs, mostly from the 40s. These names being ones I have never heard, seen, or stumbled across prior. Names that seemingly had no massive career to follow despite, funnily enough, their films ending up being placed into various protection projects to ensure they stand the test of time. For cultural, historic, and artistic purposes. I always find it strange to come across such films; ones that the average person has not heard of, but have been considered worthy of protection. While today we praise a handful of directors that throw out blockbuster seemingly every other year. This contrast in the film industry over time fascinates me, pulls me in and has me wanting to check out almost everything and anything just to catch a glimpse at these similar, but so distant times.
Force of Evil was a film I had stumbled across a while back while searching for a few film noirs to watch. And ended up being the third of three films just the other day I decided I'd finally give a chance. Each one being very different to the last. Though ultimately surrounded by common themes of deceit, murder, and greed. These film noirs tend to showcase our greatest desires and largest weaknesses. Showing a modern life's struggles as everyone fights to make something of themselves, with hidden agendas and criminals clashing with detectives in the chaotic, gritty streets of cities. What pulled me in here, with Force of Evil, was the synopsis that mentioned Wall Street. Instantly I assumed what the film could be, and found myself curious as to how it would fair up against the rest I have watched as of late. The idea alone seemed different, and ripe for the genre's most important themes. Though what came from Force of Evil in the end was something I didn't really expect. Being a film that did follow up on common themes, but had a lot more to say about it all. All while carefully created in a poetic manner.
There may be a few spoilers in the review, but as always, I attempt to avoid discussing major ones. Keep that in mind from here on.
To which lengths would one go to begged their lives? To which lengths would one go to seek a better life at the expense of others? Now, what if one of those manipulated by your pursuit of greed just so happens to be someone you care for and want to protect? Force of Evil immediately jumps into the narrative in which some stock market fixers are seeking to destroy a few investment banks by manipulating the prices. While they would gain massive riches from making banks go bankrupt, and leaving others dependent on them through loans and such, it just so happens that one of these criminals is related to someone that would in fact suffer from it. Old, weak in health, and a relative. We see a character fueled by greed, but with the intentjks of doing some good by trying to gain approval to break the news beforehand, ensuring their relative gets out safe. Of course, for any crime, to bring in relatives and friends is a bad idea that leads to loopholes, many mistakes, and a trail that unwanted attention may soon follow.
This narrative quickly explores the greed of man, but more importantly the wishful thinking that comes with it. The idea that a plan is flawless. That nothing could possibly go wrong, and their lives will change for the better as a result of their destructive actions. It didn't take me long at all to notice the themes of a sick society. One fueled by money; and that wasn't difficult to notice at all with its very one the nose dialogue and script. We are told straight up that every person is a mere victim of the riches gained by another. Everyone, part of this system, is losing in one way or another. The script follows a very poetic structure throughout the film, and not just in the narrative but through the dialogue between characters. They speak with such depth, such a poetic and experienced nature. Up-front in their feelings and thoughts that gives us a very emotional perspective of these characters as their hope dwindles and things go south.
I really enjoyed listening to the dialogue because of this. It was immersive, different, and definitely added to the story. It felt a bit theatrical, which is also not that unexpected of the filmmaking era. Where cinematography and directing was mostly still, utilising blocking by the actors that places them in very specific stances, almost facing the audience in the frame. This works in giving us a more detailed look at their faces as the hope dwindles and fear sets in. And serving as a counter to these small, powerful men is the realisation that they're in fact very much insignificant. Dwarfed by the massive structures of 40s New York City. The massive, narrow street of Wall Street. The banks towering over and showing the true power they have over man. As man scrambles around them in desperation. It was very beautifully done and of course connected with that powerful script. I have to give some praise to the actors for being able to pull it all off effectively as well, with performances that really show the fear setting in as the film progresses. Going beyond the typical theatrical acting and being quite believable. Almost depressing to watch in parts due to the desperation kicking in.
Force of Evil seemed influenced by numerous medias. With inspiration clearly from the world of literature through its writing, but also plenty of experience from within the enclosed walls of New York City, witnessing firsthand the panic of the city after World War 2, where the economy was starting to take off again, and the technology was progressing faster, with everything and everyone seeming so fast-paced. Anxious and desperate for greater lives. I really enjoyed how it was all done, and really feel it does deserve all that protection and preservation. Aware of its time, displaying the emotions felt within it. And doing so within a relatively decent runtime. You don't come across films like this very often, and that is because they're made at just the right time, pointing a light at just the right things.
Abraham Polonsky is a name I had never heard of before watching Force of Evil, but I know for sure I'll be checking out some of his other works, curious as to what more he had to say.
So in this one we're watching the criminals avoiding the detectives rather than following the detectives trying to solve the crime?
Yep! Tune in next time for the criminal investigating the detective, I guess!
Bahahahaa that would be comedic XD
eta although could be done well in cases like they're trying to show that the detective is untrustworthy, hmm XD