Man in the Shadow (1958)

Featuring: Jeff Chandler, Orson Welles. Director: Jack Arnold.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

Orson Welles is probably the most interesting figure in the history of the silver screen. He directed what is widely considered the greatest movie of all time and is also acclaimed by many as one of the best actors of all time. He was larger than life and the legacy he left behind was even greater. I think it is perfectly fair to consider him a genius.

The trouble with geniuses, however, is that they see things before the rest of us do. Insert your favorite "ahead of his time" cliche here. Today, directors like Scorsese can produce some of their best work late in their careers. When Welles got started, the term "filmmaker" wasn't something that carries the weight that it does now. The movie going-public today (or at least a segment of it) is more educated and interested in risk taking in the cinema. Sadly, Welles' failures at the box office left much of his career's potential untapped. Instead of crafting masterpieces, he was relegated to acting in b-movies such as this one. That makes me sad, but such is life.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad movie. It features Welles as a plantation owner out west who is the lord over all of the migrant workers at his establishment. Welles character is charming and slimey all at once and the protagonist (Chandler) does a good job playing a straight arrow of a sheriff who is determined to get to the truth no matter how powerful the toes that he is stepping on may be. This is a decent movie with political undertones that are very relevant today, but it still makes me sad. Mostly because instead of directing his version of The Departed, he was acting in a b-movie with a predictable plot. Such is the curse of genius.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Pretty much anything with Orson Welles is in my queue.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? That conditions for Mexican immigrants have only marginally improved in the last 60 years.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? You should be an Orson Welles aficionado. It isn't his best work, but he's still interesting.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

Sorry, couldn't find a trailer for this one. 

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The Lady from Shanghai (1958)

Orson Welles has to be the most interesting character in the history of film direction. From the moment he burst onto the scene with the breathtaking masterpiece Citizen Kane, his career was surrounded by battles with studios and controversy like no other director has faced since. I admire the man so much that I will watch absolutely anything that even mentions his name.

The Lady from Shanghai is one of Welles' forays into film noir. The movie stars Welles as a brutish sailor who gets hired on by the stunning Rita Hayworth to be a deckhand on her husband's yacht. This pleasure cruise turns out to be anything but fun as the rotten character of all persons involved in this sordid love triangle comes to light. Despite being set in beautiful locations there is a sinister air that hangs over the entire movie that really gives the movie an interesting mood.

While clearly not a masterpiece on the level of Citizen Kane (but really what else is?), this in some ways flawed movie is still something every lover of film noir and Orson Welles should experience. The plot is complex but isn't difficult to follow. Welles plays his part well and the supporting cast is just the right amount of creepy. Rita Hayworth is the real star though. She is incredibly sexy in this role and really commanded my attention with her performance. If you're a fan of Welles or film noir you definitely owe it to yourself to the queue this one up.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stop streaming on 3/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Orson Welles.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? The cool mirror scene at the end.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a good film noir flick.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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