Odd Man Out (1947)

(On Cable TV, March 2020) I don’t entirely agree with those who put Odd Man Out as a film noir, but I can see their point—this story of Irish nationalists evading police after a botched robbery, it’s definitely the kind of downbeat thriller that evokes mentions of noir. While the film predates James Mason’s Hollywood success, he was already a bankable star in the United Kingdom by the time the film was produced and that accounts for his self-assured lead performance. Often more dramatic than strictly concerned with genre thrills, Odd Man Out is a solid crime drama particularly well-directed by Carol Reed. Don’t expect stylistic flourishes, though—it’s straightforward and character-centric rather than play games with light and camera angles. The British origins do add something extra for North American audiences. All in all, a solid choice—although noir fans may feel as if the film is a touch too mainstream for them.