Almost all the features of the classic noir films were present in The Third Man apart from the famous soundtrack. The dialogue in the film was often blunt and straight to the point with the occasional witty one-liners. The characters were the hard-boiled, cynical, disillusioned characters; that are nevertheless usually likeable and a male protagonist facing a moral dilemma or some kind of threat, in this case it is Holly. The thematic concerns were with the criminal, violence

Set in the post-war Vienna, the camera shots captivate the “bleak, weary and, in this case, corrupt city.” (www.filmmonthly.com/noir/article/thirdman/thirdman.html). In the setting black-and-white chiaroscuro effect are used, with the help of the contrast between light and shadow since the majority of events that take place in the film are at night. The streets are always wet, bare and dark, and the only time people are on the street is in the presence of the protagonists. The acting was excellent and the way it ought to be as a classic film noir film. The technical production was incredible with every little detail included from the slightest tilt in the video camera filming certain shots to the chiaroscuro effects of the shadows. The sound on the other hand was not of the classic film noir genre; it was the most noticeable feature of the film.

The Third Man is not simply a classic film noir; it has a tinge of thriller. Almost all the features present in classic film noir movies are present in The Third Man from the short and sharp conversations to the morality ambiguous characters suffering from disillusionment. Although the soundtrack does not fit the classic film noir genre it fits the thriller genre more, it is unique and one sure to never be forgotten. Therefore The Third Man is a classic film noir with a thriller tinge.

The Ferris wheel setting is purposely used to show “the last ride of Holly’s symbolic childhood” (www

Some topics in this essay:
Film Noir, Holly Harry, Dr Winkel, Holly Anna, Aurel Holly, film noir, classic film, classic film noir, ferris wheel, film noir genre, chiaroscuro effects, features classic, noir genre, noir films, technical production, features classic film, fit classic film, fit classic, thriller genre, short sharp conversations,