Starring
Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Anne Francis (mee-ow!),
Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan, John Ericson, Ernest Borgnine, Lee
Marvin, Russell Collins, Walter Sande. Directed by John Sturges.
(1954/81 min).
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Review
by Mr. Paws😺
If
you had to name one film you'd consider "perfect," what
would it be?
I
don't mean the greatest film. Any movie worth considering for
perfection is great by default. For me, the greatest film of all time
has always been Jaws, but it ain't perfect (though it's damn
close).
A
perfect film, though? I would define that as a film with absolutely
no technical or creative flaws of any kind. It's free of plot holes
and lapses in logic. There are no throwaway scenes, redundant
characters or questionable casting decisions. The direction,
performances, editing, writing, cinematography and score are all
spot-on.
If
I had to pick a film that meets all that criteria, the first one that immediately comes-to-mind is 1954's
Bad Day at Black Rock.
 |
| "I thought you were bringin' the ball." |
Director
John Sturges is renowned for some sprawling epics (a few of which
are among my favorite films), but with Bad Day at Black Rock,
he gives us a lean, mean mash-up of film-noir and classic western,
trimmed of all the fat and presented with such narrative efficiency
that not a single one of its 81 minutes is wasted.
On
paper, Spencer Tracy seems an odd choice for the role of John
MacCready, a deceptively docile stranger who gets off a train in the
tiny town of Black Rock, stirring up the locals while inquiring about
a missing war buddy. But he hits all the right notes, congenial and
passive at first, only to grow increasingly determined as he begins
to uncover the town's terrible secret. The remainder of the cast nail
their characters as well, including a menacing turn by Robert Ryan as
Black Rock ringleader Reno Smith. Then there's the lovely Anne Francis...not exactly a femme fatale here, but I've had a crush on her ever since seeing Forbidden Planet as a kid.
 |
| "Fiber keeps me regular." |
The
seemingly simple narrative unveils its layers at precise moments
throughout the film, providing just enough exposition to keep it
rolling forward, but remaining intriguingly ambiguous about certain
character or plot complexities until it's absolutely necessary to
reveal them. Right up until the resolution, the story is filled with
surprises (and absolutely no red herrings).
 |
| WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION |
From
a technical standpoint, I've personally never noticed anything I'd have
done differently. Despite the film's relatively intimate setting, the
cinematography makes tremendous use of the CinemaScope format,
particularly the establishing shots. Each scene is flawlessly staged
and edited, every setting perfectly chosen. The town and surrounding
desert are practically secondary characters.
And
of course, Bad Day at Black Rock is enormously entertaining.
I've seen it dozens of times over the years and always notice
something new that makes me appreciate it more. It may not be the
greatest film - though it's high on my list - but it is a
perfect film.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
AUDIO
COMMENTARY - By film historian Dana Polan
TRAILER
KITTY CONSENSUS:
MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH
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