“The Third Man” is a classic film noir that has captivated audiences since its release in 1949. The movie, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, tells the story of an American writer who travels to post-World War II Vienna to visit his old friend, only to find that he has died under mysterious circumstances. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of the film and its themes, as well as explore its enduring legacy in popular culture.
The Background
“The Third Man” is a classic film noir that was released in 1949. It was directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. The film is set in post-World War II Vienna, which was divided into four zones controlled by the Allied powers. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Harry Lime, a black marketeer who is believed to have been killed in a car accident. However, his friend, Holly Martins, a writer of Western novels, arrives in Vienna and begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lime’s death. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Lime’s death was not an accident, but rather a murder. The film is known for its iconic zither music score by Anton Karas and its stunning cinematography, which captures the dark and moody atmosphere of post-war Vienna. “The Third Man” has become a classic of the film noir genre and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.
The Plot
The plot of “The Third Man” revolves around the investigation of the death of Harry Lime, a notorious racketeer in post-World War II Vienna. The story is told through the eyes of Holly Martins, a writer who arrives in Vienna to visit his friend Lime, only to find out that he has been killed in a car accident. As Martins begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lime’s death, he discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. He soon realizes that Lime’s death may have been a murder, and that he may have been involved in some shady dealings with the black market. As Martins delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the police, the military, and Lime’s associates. The plot of “The Third Man” is full of twists and turns, and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Setting
The setting of “The Third Man” is post-World War II Vienna, a city divided into four zones controlled by the Allied powers. The city is in ruins, with bombed-out buildings and rubble-filled streets. The atmosphere is one of despair and desperation, as the people struggle to survive in a city where food and basic necessities are scarce. The black market thrives, and criminal activity is rampant. Against this backdrop, the story unfolds, with the protagonist, Holly Martins, arriving in Vienna to visit his friend Harry Lime, only to discover that Lime has been killed in a mysterious accident. The setting of Vienna adds to the sense of intrigue and danger that permeates the story, as Martins tries to uncover the truth about Lime’s death and becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal.
The Characters
The characters in “The Third Man” are complex and intriguing. The protagonist, Holly Martins, is a struggling writer who finds himself caught up in a web of deceit and corruption in post-World War II Vienna. He is a flawed character, prone to drinking and making impulsive decisions, but ultimately he is driven by a desire for justice and the truth. Harry Lime, the titular “third man,” is a charismatic and enigmatic figure who is revealed to be involved in a black market racket selling diluted penicillin to sick children. Lime is a master manipulator, able to charm and deceive those around him, but ultimately his actions have tragic consequences. The other characters in the film, including Anna Schmidt and Major Calloway, are also well-drawn and add depth to the story. Overall, the characters in “The Third Man” are a key part of what makes the film so compelling and memorable.
The Themes
One of the most prominent themes in “The Third Man” is the concept of moral ambiguity. The characters in the story are not clearly defined as either good or bad, but rather exist in a gray area where their actions and motivations are constantly questioned. This is particularly evident in the character of Harry Lime, who is both a charming friend to protagonist Holly Martins and a ruthless criminal mastermind. The film also explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the consequences of greed. Ultimately, “The Third Man” is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the choices we make.
The Tone
The tone of “The Third Man” is one of mystery and intrigue. From the very beginning, the reader is drawn into the shadowy world of post-World War II Vienna, where nothing is quite as it seems. Greene’s use of vivid descriptions and atmospheric language creates a sense of foreboding, as if danger lurks around every corner. The characters themselves are complex and often morally ambiguous, adding to the sense of unease. Overall, the tone of “The Third Man” is one of suspenseful uncertainty, keeping the reader on edge until the very end.
The Style
The style of “The Third Man” is one of the most notable aspects of the novella. Greene’s writing is concise and precise, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. The story is set in post-World War II Vienna, and Greene captures the city’s atmosphere of decay and corruption with vivid descriptions of the streets and buildings. The dialogue is also a key element of the style, with the characters’ conversations revealing their motivations and personalities. Overall, the style of “The Third Man” is a masterclass in creating a sense of time and place, and in using language to convey complex emotions and ideas.
The Symbolism
The symbolism in “The Third Man” is a crucial aspect of the story. The most prominent symbol is the zither music that plays throughout the film. The music represents the city of Vienna, with its rich cultural history and its current state of post-war turmoil. The zither music also serves as a reminder of the film’s central theme of moral ambiguity. The music is both beautiful and haunting, just like the characters in the story. Another important symbol is the Ferris wheel, which represents the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death. The Ferris wheel is also a reminder of the film’s setting in Vienna, where the city’s famous Prater amusement park is located. Overall, the symbolism in “The Third Man” adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a classic of film noir.
The Irony
The irony of “The Third Man” lies in the fact that the character who is supposed to be the hero, Holly Martins, is actually quite flawed. He is a struggling writer who is desperate for money and is willing to compromise his morals to get it. On the other hand, the character who is supposed to be the villain, Harry Lime, is charming and charismatic, despite being a criminal. This reversal of expectations adds depth to the story and makes it more interesting to watch. Additionally, the film’s setting in post-World War II Vienna, a city divided by political and ideological differences, adds another layer of irony to the story. The city is in ruins, yet the black market is thriving, and the people who are supposed to be helping rebuild the city are often corrupt and self-serving. Overall, the irony in “The Third Man” adds complexity to the story and makes it a classic film noir.
The Significance
The significance of “The Third Man” lies in its exploration of the moral ambiguity of post-war Vienna. Greene’s portrayal of the city as a place of corruption and betrayal reflects the disillusionment felt by many in the aftermath of World War II. The character of Harry Lime, played brilliantly by Orson Welles in the film adaptation, embodies this moral ambiguity, as he is both a charming friend and a ruthless criminal. The film’s iconic zither score and stunning cinematography also contribute to its enduring legacy. Overall, “The Third Man” remains a powerful commentary on the human condition and the complexities of morality.
The Reception
The Reception of “The Third Man” was initially mixed, with some critics praising the film’s unique visual style and tense atmosphere, while others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of character development. However, over time, the film has come to be regarded as a classic of the film noir genre, with its iconic zither score and unforgettable final scene becoming cultural touchstones. Today, “The Third Man” is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, and its influence can be seen in countless works of cinema and literature.
The Legacy
The legacy of “The Third Man” is one that has endured for decades. The film, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, has become a classic in the film noir genre. Its iconic zither score, atmospheric cinematography, and unforgettable performances by Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten have cemented its place in cinematic history. But beyond its entertainment value, “The Third Man” also offers a commentary on post-war Vienna and the moral ambiguity of its characters. Its themes of betrayal, corruption, and the search for truth continue to resonate with audiences today. As Greene himself once said, “The Third Man” is “a story about friendship and betrayal, and of the corruption of ideals by money.” Its legacy is one that will continue to captivate and intrigue viewers for generations to come.
The Adaptations
One of the most notable adaptations of “The Third Man” is the 1949 film directed by Carol Reed. Starring Orson Welles as the elusive Harry Lime and Joseph Cotten as his friend and pursuer, Holly Martins, the film is widely regarded as a classic of the film noir genre. The iconic zither score by Anton Karas adds to the film’s haunting atmosphere. Another adaptation worth mentioning is the 1951 radio play, also written by Graham Greene and starring Joseph Cotten. While not as well-known as the film, the radio play is a faithful adaptation that captures the tension and intrigue of the original story.
The Film
The Third Man is a classic film noir that was released in 1949. Directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, the film is set in post-World War II Vienna and follows the story of Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in the city to meet his old friend Harry Lime. However, upon his arrival, Martins discovers that Lime has been killed in a car accident. As he investigates the circumstances surrounding Lime’s death, Martins uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that leads him to question everything he thought he knew about his friend. The film is known for its iconic cinematography, particularly the use of shadows and light to create a sense of tension and unease. The Third Man is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and has had a lasting impact on the film industry.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack of “The Third Man” is one of the most iconic in film history. Composed by Anton Karas, a street musician from Vienna, the zither music perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of post-war Vienna. The haunting melody of “The Third Man Theme” is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the film itself. Karas’ music adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the already suspenseful plot, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
The Cinematography
The cinematography in “The Third Man” is a standout feature of the film. Director Carol Reed and cinematographer Robert Krasker expertly use light and shadow to create a moody and atmospheric setting in post-World War II Vienna. The iconic scenes of Harry Lime (Orson Welles) emerging from the shadows and the chase through the city’s sewers are prime examples of the film’s stunning visuals. The use of Dutch angles and tilted shots also adds to the film’s sense of unease and disorientation. Overall, the cinematography in “The Third Man” is a masterclass in visual storytelling.
The Direction
The Direction of “The Third Man” is a masterful display of film noir. Director Carol Reed expertly uses shadows and lighting to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. The use of Dutch angles and unconventional camera angles also adds to the disorienting feeling of the movie. The Direction is complemented by the haunting score by Anton Karas, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the film. Reed’s Direction is a key factor in making “The Third Man” a classic of the genre.
The Performances
The performances in “The Third Man” are nothing short of exceptional. Orson Welles, in particular, delivers a mesmerizing portrayal of the enigmatic Harry Lime. His entrance in the film is one of the most iconic in cinema history, and his subsequent scenes are filled with a sense of danger and unpredictability. Joseph Cotten also shines as the film’s protagonist, Holly Martins, bringing a sense of vulnerability and desperation to the role. The supporting cast, including Trevor Howard and Alida Valli, also deliver strong performances, adding depth and nuance to the film’s characters. Overall, the performances in “The Third Man” are a testament to the talent of the film’s cast and the skill of director Carol Reed in bringing out their best.
The Analysis
The analysis of “The Third Man” by Graham Greene reveals a complex and multi-layered story that explores themes of betrayal, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. The film’s setting in post-World War II Vienna provides a backdrop of chaos and uncertainty, which serves to heighten the tension and drama of the plot. The character of Harry Lime, played brilliantly by Orson Welles, is a fascinating study in contradictions, as he is both charming and ruthless, and his actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences for those around him. The film’s iconic zither score, composed by Anton Karas, adds to the sense of unease and disorientation that permeates the story. Overall, “The Third Man” is a masterful work of cinema that continues to captivate audiences to this day.