Yes, it's all great, all the time. But the thing that makes it totally unique is (of course) the zither music. Most movies, the background music is just that. Here the music is one of the stars.
If there is one film that showcases the particular beauty of black-and-white film it is this one. The play of light and dark is practically another character, reminiscent of older German Expressionist films. You can find many stills online that are of striking B/W beauty—-they bring to my mind the photos of Hong Kong by Fan Ho. The Ferris wheel scene is indeed memorable but so are the chase scenes in the sewer system. Joseph Cotton is as reliable as ever as the innocent, out-of-his-depth American abroad.
I have to respond regarding your choice for greatest American film. Every one has an opinion when it comes to film. In my opinion "Liberty" is not even John Ford's best work. " Searchers, Informer, Quiet Man, Stagecoach, How Green Was My valley, Grapes, and The Rising of the Moon". My choices for Ford are "The rising of The Moon," The Informer," and the "The Quiet Man." As to best USA ever "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind." If regardless of origin The "Third Man" is my choice for top Three. All great. All should see all.
“Stagecoach” is my favorite John Ford film. I think it solidified—-and possibly created —-the Western’s characteristic themes and roles. The stunt work of Yakima Canutt is incredible. I sometimes watch clips of his scenes. I have mixed feelings about John Wayne but think he was fine as Ringo.
Certainly one of the greatest films of all time. Love and loyalty vs. truth. Fabulous acting, direction, music. The height of black and white films. Hard to imagine a finer scene in a movie than the ones at the Ferris wheel and the last scene.
Yes, it's all great, all the time. But the thing that makes it totally unique is (of course) the zither music. Most movies, the background music is just that. Here the music is one of the stars.
If there is one film that showcases the particular beauty of black-and-white film it is this one. The play of light and dark is practically another character, reminiscent of older German Expressionist films. You can find many stills online that are of striking B/W beauty—-they bring to my mind the photos of Hong Kong by Fan Ho. The Ferris wheel scene is indeed memorable but so are the chase scenes in the sewer system. Joseph Cotton is as reliable as ever as the innocent, out-of-his-depth American abroad.
I wonder if you have seen a brilliant film called "The Lives of Others," 2006, which involves life
in East Germany during the Cold War. It's worth your time.
I have to respond regarding your choice for greatest American film. Every one has an opinion when it comes to film. In my opinion "Liberty" is not even John Ford's best work. " Searchers, Informer, Quiet Man, Stagecoach, How Green Was My valley, Grapes, and The Rising of the Moon". My choices for Ford are "The rising of The Moon," The Informer," and the "The Quiet Man." As to best USA ever "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind." If regardless of origin The "Third Man" is my choice for top Three. All great. All should see all.
“Stagecoach” is my favorite John Ford film. I think it solidified—-and possibly created —-the Western’s characteristic themes and roles. The stunt work of Yakima Canutt is incredible. I sometimes watch clips of his scenes. I have mixed feelings about John Wayne but think he was fine as Ringo.
Certainly one of the greatest films of all time. Love and loyalty vs. truth. Fabulous acting, direction, music. The height of black and white films. Hard to imagine a finer scene in a movie than the ones at the Ferris wheel and the last scene.
Ah, let's see -- black and white scenes --
Magwitch's death, in a state of surprising grace, in Great Expectations
The downed airplane in the ocean, in Foreign Correspondent
The scene on the railroad train, last scene, in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The "via dolorosa" final scene in On the Waterfront
Donna Reed and Deborah Kerr, looking out from the ship, at the end of From Here to Eternity
Crackup of the corrupt senator, Claude Rains, in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
But you are right ... those scenes from The Third Man are stupendous. I'll add also the chase through the sewers, just before the end...
The scene in On the Waterfront with Karl Malden in the ship's hold after the death of a whistleblower.
The last scene in Great Expectations, where Pip tears the curtains down.
The bar scene with Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life.