The Third Man is a film noir directed by Carol Reed, written by Graham Greene, and starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard as Major Calloway. One of the major features of the film is the use of black-and-white German expressionist-influenced cinematography by Robert Krasker.
This, combined with the use of ruined locations in Vienna, promotes feelings of exhaustion and cynicism at the start of the Cold War.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Set in postwar Vienna, Austria, ‘The Third Man’ stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, who arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime (Orson Welles), only to find him dead. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a “third man” present at the time of Harry’s death, running into interference from British officer Maj. Calloway (Trevor Howard) and falling head-over-heels for Harry’s grief-stricken lover, Anna (Alida Valli).”
In 1999, the British Film Institute published its listing of the best British films of all time, and The Third Man placed at number one.
The Third Man has a near-perfect score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus stating: “This atmospheric thriller is one of the undisputed masterpieces of cinema, and boasts iconic performances from Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles.”
One viewer said: “Simply one of the best movies ever made. Stands up completely today.”
While another added: “Must-see movie with Welles and Cotten. Two great actors performing one of my favourite mystery movies. Outstanding ending.”
“Comprehensively outstanding and a work of genius. The film is peerless and is a template for the understated, the quiet, the timing and the brief glimpse into the soul of despair,” a third added.
A fourth said: “Brilliant cinematography, the lighting and shadow are the best I have seen, and I was in the film industry for years.”
The Third Man is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.