Movie of the Week – The Wages of Fear

This week’s movie: The Wages of Fear (1953).

In a decrepit South American village, foreigners who came seeking riches find themselves stranded with no money, no prospects, and no way home. That is until they are offered a job. A company urgently needs a shipment of nitroglycerine to be transported across country to implode a burning oil well, but they do not have the proper safety equipment. Thus, this is a suicide job, but also maybe the only way any of these men will ever make enough money to get home.

The thriller is written and directed by French auteur Henri-Georges Clouzot (who is also responsible for one of the great horror mysteries of all-time: Diabolique). He worked with composer Georges Auric, cinematographer Armand Thirard (a frequent collaborator), and art director Rene Renoux on the film.

The film features a great ensemble cast including: Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Folco Lulli, Peter van Eyck, Vera Clouzot, and William Tubbs.

The Wages of Fear is one of cinema’s greatest thrillers (making my list of the Top 100 Films of the 20^th Century). It is a nerve-racking experience that grips its viewer throughout. But also, it is a fantastic character drama, exploring the best and worst that man is capable of. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and brilliant thrillers.

Trailer: Here

Available on: Blu-ray and Video On-Demand

Movie of the Week – Diabolique

This week’s movie: Diabolique (1955).

Christina Delassalle is married to Michel, the headmaster of a school for boys that she also works at. He does not treat her well, and on top of that is having an affair with another teacher Nicole Horner. He does not treat Nicole well either. Christina and Nicole join forces to plot Michel’s murder – to make it look like a suicide. The problem is, when they carryout the murder, his body mysteriously vanishes. Strange events start to plague the two women in the wake.

Diabolique is one of French auteur Henri-Georges Clouzot’s finest films (and personally my second favorite of his work, after The Wages of Fear).  Clouzot worked with composer Georges Van Parys, cinematographer Armand Thirard, and art director Leon Barsacq on the film.

It stars Simone Signoret, Vera Clouzot, and Paul Meurisse.

Diabolique is one of the great horror mystery films in cinema history. Clouzot does a fantastic job building tension while engaging in great plot twists. This is a must-see for fans of classic style horror films.

Trailer: Here

Available on: Blu-ray