Force Of Evil

Force Of Evil
1948 - MGM
Directed By Abraham Polonsky



SYNOPSIS

Joe Morse (John Garfield) is the lawyer for a major gangster in the numbers racket. His brother Leo (Thomas Gomez) runs a smaller racket. When Joe's boss Ben Tucker (Roy Roberts) hatches a plan to make himself the sole numbers man in town... and that will make Joe rich. Joe tries to force Leo out of the business in order to save him from financial ruin, but Leo will have none of it. But Joe must step in to save his brother... with deadly consequences.



MY THOUGHTS

A masterful and gripping film noir that's as dark plot-wise as its shadows.

Visually, Force of Evil is a perfect example of how a noir should look. Amazing use of shadow and light along with some unique camera angles make the film a real treat for the eyes. Practically every frame looks like art.



John Garfield is charming and as the shyster lawyer. He delivers a very intelligent, believable performance and you believe his screwy logic in his head that makes him think what he's doing is legit.
Beatrice Pearson plays Doris, the former secretary of Leo, turned love interest of Joe. Her scenes with Garfield are very limited and their whole relationship seems to be an afterthought tacked on to the rather short story to pad it out.

The film carries a bleak message that in order to get ahead, you must lead a corrupt life - a big jab at capitalism. The film's short run-time means this message rules practically every scene, with little room for fluff.

That could be why the Joe/Doris scenes are so sparse.... and the complete lack of humor.

I wish this moody film were longer with more subplots. Ben Tucker's wife also seems to have a relationship (or trying to start one) with Joe. This also barely appears and is never really made clear. It would be a great subplot to expand upon.

Still in its 80 minutes, Force Of Evil delivers a compelling story that is amazingly well shot and should be wider known that it is.