Dark Passage

One may wonder why superstars like Bogart and Bacall chose to say yes to appearing in Dark Passage, for the film's plot is something of a mess. It wins through nonetheless thanks to its actors, a curious use of the subjective camera, and the fact that it sustains the suspense all the way through.

Vincent Parry manages to escape from San Quentin, where he has been serving time for the murder of his wife - a murder he did not commit. A young woman, Irene Jansen, is miraculously nearby when the escape happens, and she is even willing to smuggle him home to her flat. Irene, you see, is familiar with Vincent's case and believes he was sacrificed in the courtroom.

Vincent's only chance of leading a normal life is to get a new face, for his mug is in all the newspapers. A friendly taxi driver puts him in touch with a plastic surgeon, who gives him a face like Humphrey Bogart's. Up to this point almost every shot has been seen through Vincent's eyes by means of the subjective camera. There has not been a single shot of the man himself. It is a tiring technique for the audience to watch, but it is bearable for less than half an hour. Besides, you sit there wondering whether you will soon get to see that face.

Out in freedom, Vincent tries to solve the murder mystery, which he eventually succeeds in doing. It is pretty far-fetched, but I swallowed it.