Daily Movie Rec 4/17/2023 (Double Feature)

Criss Cross (1949)

"Stick around. You make it all so nice and sad."

Directed by: Robert Siodmak

Cinematography by: Franz Planer

Country: United States

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller

Plot:

More double-crossing murder and mayhem when an armored truck driver makes all of the dumb decisions by partnering with - and subsequently trying to con - the violent new gangster husband of his steamy ex-wife, whom he still has a roaring flame for.

Reasons to watch:

Siodmak and cinematographer Franz Planer harness deep-focus photography and densely evocative lighting with phenomenal artistry in this fourth noir that oozes mood and some real GTA vibes. Bruce Lancaster is also terrific as the lovelorn dreamboat dolt who’s way out of his depth; Yvonne De Carlo’s body language is so naturally expressive as the femme fatale that she hardly even needs dialogue to communicate; and the world really missed out on Dan Duryea never playing the Joker. He’s so good at hiding violent mood swings behind his characters’ calm exteriors, unnerving smiles, and “you don’t want to fuck with me” eyes.

Where to watch:

The Criterion Channel