claude_frollo Reviews

Jigsaw (1962)

Taut police procedural

[1 February 2003]

Despite the presence of Jack Warner as a senior policeman, the world of "Jigsaw" is a far cry from the cosy atmosphere of "Dixon of Dock Green". Effective camerawork makes Brighton a faintly sinister setting for this murder mystery. The standard of acting is generally high, (although I found Yolande Donlan's performance a little overwrought for my taste) and a strong script from Guest ensures that the detailed police investigation contains enough action (and unexpected revelations) to hold the viewer's interest to the very end.

Whirlpool (1959)

Pedestrian crime drama

[6/10 · 7 September 2002]

"Whirlpool" is one of those movies which delivers less than you'd expect. The dilemma of the film's central character is promising - as becomes clear from the first five minutes, she is on the run both from the law and from her former criminal associate - but the pacing is rather slow and there's not quite enough tension to hook the viewer.

Another major problem lies in the casting of this character. Lora is an anti-heroine, granted, but Juliette Greco makes her so coldly unsympathetic throughout the action that it's hard to see how anyone could find any potential for redemption in her. (Lollobrigida or Loren might have brought a bit more warmth and humanity to the role.) On the plus side, the other characters are all decently acted, and the gorgeous Rhineland scenery and good musical score are points in the movie's favour.

Not a bad film overall, then, but a disappointment when you consider what it could have been. 6/10.