Detour

Detour, a celebrated cult classic from the year 1945, is a paragon of traditional film noir, drenched in the darkest hues of human nature.

Director Edgar G. Ulmer, renowned for steering independent projects outside Hollywood’s lofty studio system, unveils a riveting world of fate, uncertain morality, and relentless cynicism in this twisted suspense story. The leading cast features Tom Neal as the troubled Al Roberts, Ann Savage in the merciless role of Vera, and Claudia Drake as the sweet and dreamy Sue Harvey.

The narrative pivots around protagonist Al Roberts, a dispirited New York nightclub piano player. Tormented by unfulfilled dreams and a yearning for higher prospects, Roberts decides to hitchhike to Hollywood to rejoin his girlfriend, Sue Harvey, who's launched her own tinseltown adventure in search of fame. The journey mapped ahead of Al is torrential, both physically and metaphorically, marking the start of a tumultuous string of events enveloped in mystery and drama.

Roberts’ cross-country passage involves hitching a ride with Charles Haskell Jr., portrayed by Edmund MacDonald. Haskell, a somewhat generous but morally ambiguous character, feeds the first embers of suspicion and intrigue to the plot, providing a dash of unease that unnerves both Al Roberts and the audience.

The female characters in Detour present a sharp contrast. Sue Harvey epitomizes the trope of the ‘good girl’ archetype, while Vera (Ann Savage), the ruthless female hitchhiker, unabashedly personifies the quintessential femme fatale. Vera’s manipulative demeanor, coupled with her jittery paranoia, not only complicates Robert’s journey but also forces him to confront the choices he makes and their inevitable consequences.

Director Ulmer’s deft execution unleashes narrative minimalism onto a maximum canvas. The film’s dark, shadowy photography intensifies an ominous sense of claustrophobia. Rather than relying on grand studio sets, the filmmaker uses limited yet evocative environments – a confined car cabin or a cramped roadside diner – to convey broad swathes of desperation, despair, and existential angst. Each shot symbolizes human vulnerabilities trapped in an unforgiving universe.

Moreover, Detour's budget constraints and quick 28-day shooting schedule inadvertently inject a raw, gritty realism, which enhances the film's compelling appeal. Despite its modest production, the film manages to attain a certain elegance, mostly by virtue of its razor-sharp dialogue, tight editing, and eerily resplendent music. The screenplay swoops into moral ambiguities that provide the central characters with depth and resonance, while the background score resonates with the heartbeat of an atmospheric thriller.

Tom Neal delivers a compelling performance, capably shouldering the part of Al Roberts. Neal breathes life into the character's psychological nuance, oscillating between grit and despair, stoicism and vulnerability. Ann Savage's portrayal of Vera is equally unforgettable. She embodies the character with a startling ferocity, crafting one of film noir's most memorable femme fatales.

Detour is not merely thriller material that exclusively relies on unexpected plot twists. It is a philosophical journey down the underbelly of human existence. It deals with themes of desolation, ambition, and the inescapable maze of fate. The film’s exceptional ability to sketch complex characters and scenarios with limited resources glues us to the screen, providing a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and riveting.

In the annals of film noir, Detour with its potent blend of fatalism, mystery, and moral ambiguity, holds a significant place. It’s a testament to the fact that films can be minimalist and yet carry a powerful punch that leaves a lasting impression. This beloved classic is the perfect trip down the memory lane of cinema history, giving us a glimpse into the timeless charm of black and white story-telling and its enduring influence on modern cinema.