2.13.2008

The Lady from Shanghai - a quick kristerview


Kris here - Sometimes it really amazes me how little I know about film and how this gem got by me until now seems completely absurd. I am in love with Rita Hayworth, and admire the hell out of Orson Welles. I came across it, gasped and stroked the box art around Rita's face and rented (or rather borrowed) this bad boy. I wasn't expecting much due to the fact that i had never heard of this title before and with Rita and Orson top billed i couldn't understand why that is. Well, apparently i have to get out more because this was that perfect love-noir story. It's endlessly quoteable - but what else do you expect from a Welles script? The characters are complete toons while still remaining relateable and devilishly real. It's a beauty to watch as the locations keep changing from the start (Central Park) of the film all the way to the end (a fun house or rather a "crazy house"?). The film hits many noirish notes, playing them perfectly and blending them all together to make an experience that sticks with you the day after. Or at least Rita will stay with you, or Orson's Irish accent. Great film, Kris highly recommends it and puts it in that "It's so cool" category.



3 comments:

the coelacanth said...

dope write-up kris. i am ashamed to admit i have never seen this, but hope to remedy that soon, thanks to your cool review. rita is certainly ravishing in that trailer and welles' accent, like you said, is hilarious. i gotta see this one, it sounds great....

the coelacanth said...

and i think you mean "i have to get IN more"....

La Sporgenza said...

Great film... one of my all time fav's too.

S