Victory

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Nick M Axel Heyst prefers to live a life of "impregnable solitude", shunning all human interaction aside from his manservant on an island otherwise all his own in the South Pacific. His principles of non-interference and noninvolvement in the lives of others are put to the test when a woman comes into his life, and his home is set upon by a small band of ne'er-do-wells. Romantic drama, directorial elan, tongue-in-cheek comedy, innovative cinematography, and an excellent story come together beautifully in Tourneur's adaptation of Victory, by Joseph Conrad. There are so many things to love here. This is a rather "ordinary" film for this director--it doesn't involve any fantasy environs or dream interludes--but his characteristic flair for lighting produces gorgeous, satisfying, artistic, and startling effects as always. His use of tinting is probably the strongest in the business at this point. Every transition from light to dark, every lit lamp and snuffed candle produces a corresponding change that just feels right. And toward the end, two shots are fired in a scene that is so well shot that I had to watch it three times. One man points a gun at another who holds a throwing knife, and we wait to see what will happen in an interminable period of tension. Just before the gun fires, the candles in the room are knocked over, which allows the gun to fire in perfect darkness. Dramatic split-second flashes of red-tinted light illuminate the screen, which transitions to a volcano that's been erupting in the distance. The main villain, Mr. Jones, is anticipating those found in the best James Bond films. He wears these tiny sun glasses that would be absurd if they weren't so sinister, but he carries himself with a dangerous self-assurance, an aloof gentility that is given the lie by the auras of brutality emanating from his henchmen. This picture was an unexpected pleasure. The vision is cohesive, the choices are strong, and the he doesn't forget to leave room for fun. My two criticisms are that it gets a tad carried away with its message, and that it ended far too abruptly! Or perhaps, to go along with his departure from fantasy, Tourneur expects us to imagine our own epilogue rather than attempt to fabricate a happy ending for us. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/08/24 Full Review Audience Member Falls off after a creatively directed opening 20 minutes. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Watched this last night! Excellent movie! Lon Chaney was just incredible, the perfect bad guy you love to hate! Fun! I highly recommend this movie. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Victory

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