This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 239! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there friends!
So, last night I had a ‘film noir’ evening and checked out the 1944 movie called “The Woman in the Window,” directed by none other than Fritz Lang. If you’re into suspense, psychological thrillers, and a bit of old Hollywood glam, then this one’s for you.
First things first—this movie is like stepping into this monochromatic dreamscape where shadows have secrets and every glance could kill. I swear, the atmosphere is so thick you could practically taste it. You know when you’re in a room filled with those super old books, and you get a whiff of that musty yet sweet aroma? That’s the vibe. Picture it as an aroma you can see.
Our protagonist, Richard Wanley, is played by Edward G. Robinson, who’s got this everyman charm but with a whole lot of inner turmoil going on. He’s a psychology professor, bored with his mundane life, who finds himself entangled in—surprise, surprise—an affair with danger. Robinson, with his soft-spoken, nearly vulnerable style, just pulls you right into his web of poor decisions.
One night, while Wanley’s family is away, he gets captivated by a portrait of a mysterious woman in a shop window. This chance encounter leads him down a rabbit hole of intrigue, obsession, and ultimately, murder.
The plot thickens as Wanley gets entangled with the woman from the portrait, Alice Reed, played by the stunning Joan Bennett. Their relationship takes a dark turn, and soon, Wanley finds himself caught in a web of lies, blackmail, and a desperate attempt to cover up a crime. The tension builds with each scene, and Lang’s masterful direction keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Edward G. Robinson is brilliant as the conflicted professor, perfectly capturing the character’s descent into desperation. Joan Bennett is equally captivating as the femme fatale, exuding both allure and danger.
Oh, and Dan Duryea shows up as an ominous and shifty character named Heidt. Duryea’s got that perfect blend of snake-like smarm and charm. He’s not someone you wish to run into in a dark alley—or a lit one, for that matter.
The film’s cinematography is top-notch, with its use of shadows, light, and angles creating a visually stunning and atmospheric experience. The score also adds to the suspense, heightening the emotional impact of each scene.
Lang’s direction is like a masterclass in suspense. He knows exactly when to pull you to the edge of your seat and when to let you breathe, just a little. Imagine being on a calm sailboat ride, suddenly dropping into Class V rapids out of nowhere. One scene, in particular, stays vivid in my mind: Wanley and Reed trying to dispose of a body. The intersection of desperation and gloom on their faces combined with nerve-jangling tension is something that only the golden era of noir can offer you.
The ending, though, might leave you scratching your head. It’s a bit of a curveball, and you might either love it or hate it. I won’t give it away, but let’s say it adds an unexpected twist to the story. I was completely surprised. It turns out that a lot of film critics back in the day hated the ending, and the film did poorly at the box office because of it.
“The Woman in the Window” is a classic film noir experience that’s definitely worth watching, IMHO. Its gripping plot, stellar performances, and stylish visuals make it a must-see for any fan of the genre. Just be prepared for that ending – it might leave you pondering (or pissed off) long after you’ve turned off the TV.
Cheerio!
Roger