D.O.A. (DVD, 2003)

This review is for the 2003 DVD version. Whilst the print quality as not as perfect as other remastered films, this stands as one of the defining film noirs.

About the movie....

It must be the dream of all directors to begin a film with an opening sequence that is as dramatically effective and intriguing as that which opens D.O.A.

Frank Bigelow: "I want to report a murder."
Homicide Captain: "Where was this murder committed?"
Frank Bigelow: "San Francisco, last night."
Homicide Captain: "Who was murdered?"
Frank Bigelow: "I was."

This is the quintessential film noir. Edmond O'Brien as the tough, hard drinking businessman who has grown tired of the normalcy of his life and his clinging girlfriend Paula. His holiday in San Francisco is an opportunity to break the shackels. The premise that the hero has been given a slow poison for which there is no cure, with only a day or so to solve his own murder before he dies, is exceptional. D.O.A features an array of sultry "bad girls", a seedy villain and a manic hitman - all the ingredients of classic Film Noir. Rudoph Mate directs brilliantly, not missing a moment to twist and turn the action at a fast pace. This is a wonderful example of a brilliant plot, superbly told in a way that is still gripping 50 years after it was made. D.O.A. defines Film Noir.

Highly recommended.