Touch of Evil/last for Welles & the US genre

I have seen Touch of Evil (TOE)(1957) for the 3rd-4th time now-the 1998 restored version.

I really like film noir of the classic period, and I like this film. This was Welles' last film in Hollywood, and the last of the classic genre made in the US (I believe).

No-one serious about film fails to mention the great 3 min 20 sec opening tracking shot. And the dialogue. Interestingly, he took only 2 weeks to write the adaptation.

Overall, as director, writer and actor, Welles did very well with this piece. In some ways, I prefer it to Citizen Kane.

I think that TOE is one of those films you watch repeatedly to learn the art of a much underated and unfairly maligned craftsman.

The only thing that I have with this - and maybe many films I like - is that it seems that I have to have repeated viewings to deconstruct it, and then gradually reconstruct it. Takes a bit of the enjoyment out of watching a film, but is important if you want to get to know how to write and create a good one. Perhaps I should start reading printed scripts a bit more...

Who here has seen it? And what are your feelings about TOE? And Welles? I gather not many...

Or are most of you here 25 and under, without an extensive background in 'early' and 'classic' film???

zeprosnepsid said:

My biggest problem with Welles is his editing. It's rhythmic, but it's the same rhythm constantly throughout all his films. So generally I think the movies are brilliant for the first 1/2 hour until the rhythm gets seriously monotonous and I lose interest.

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I seem to remember that you were a film student, Zep? Is this correct?
Could you elaborate on this rhythm? Describe it? I would have thought that all others such as Welles have their 'signature method'?

donroc said:

I'd love to see the complete Magnificent Ambersons but all that has survived is the studio execs butchered version.

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I have heard much about MA, but am yet to see it. What about his other flicks?-besides Kane. Seen any of these?

donroc said:

Yes, I probably have seen all of his films. I have heard it said that the Ambersons could have been greater than Kane if he had control of the final cut. As it is, it is still a good, interesting film.

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I came across this little bit of information about MA. Perhaps of interest...?

http://www.answers.com/topic/the-magnificent-ambersons-tv-episode