Le banni des îles

This film's ensemble performs with has all the crispness of Reed's performances in FALLEN IDOL. (And Trever Howard, Ralph Richardson and Robert Morely are all superb.) It's shot with all the atmospheric richness of his THE THIRD MAN. Its story of a man unravelling may be too dark for some but it's done with all the mastery of NIGHT AND THE CITY and LAST TANGO IN PARIS.

As art I rate this the single greatest movie I've ever seen. Not for those with a weak stomach. An incredible performance by Robert Morley as a man driven insane by hate. The hatred is directed at Trevor Howard who's inner demons lead him to destruction. This film has a cast of cannibalistic natives who consider murder a recreational sport.

This movie got short shrift critically, because it followed Carol Reed's three greatest films, "Odd Man Out," "The Fallen Idol," and "The Third Man." It's been a while since I saw it, but if you get a chance and you're a fan of Reed's adventurous filmmaking, check it out. A riveting performance by Trevor Howard -- this, plus his performances in 3rd Man and Brief Encounter show an astonishing range. Robert Morley is wonderful as well. My most memorable moments that still haunt me years after I saw the film: Morley "singing" a lullaby to his daughter ("Schlaf, kindchen, Schlaf") as Howard approaches in the night -- and said daughter calling "Pig!" after Howard's character later in the same scene. The bonfire, and Morley's torture. And Howard spotting Kerima standing in the water among the posts -- beautiful photography. An unjustly forgotten film. May it play at a repertory theater near you.