What Is ‘The Third Man’ All About?
The classic thriller transcends its limitations with its cynical storytelling and expressionistic style.
Martins reports this to Calloway, who deduces that Lime has escaped through a series of underground sewers.
Image by Nimesh Niyomal
In a series of unfortunate events, Anna refuses the escape, and informs Lime of their plans.
As Harry tries to escape, he is cornered by Martins in the sewers, and is shot offscreen.
What Makes ‘The Third Man’ Stand Above the Rest?
Image via Selznick Releasing Organization
Take the film’s most famous scene, for instance.
Holly Martins chances upon a great revelation as he walks along the cobblestone street.
A beam of light from an adjacent apartment illuminates the smug Harry Lime’s face.
Image via British Lion Films
He’s alive and well, and with more gusto than ever.
The framing of this sequence is simply a sight to behold.
The simple closing in of a camera towards Lime’s face becomes extremely significant due to its context.
By itself, it is a technical undertaking with great aesthetic value, albeit rudimentary.
Here is a man who simply refuses to abide by the standards the world brandishes.
The Third Manis currently available to stream on Tubi in the U.S.
WATCH ON TUBI
