Tension

Tension, released in 1949, is an underappreciated gem in the realm of film noir, a post-war genre marked by moral ambiguity, stark cinematography and crime-ridden narratives. This film stars Richard Basehart, Audrey Totter, Cyd Charisse and is directed by John Berry.

Richard Basehart plays the film's central character, Warren Quimby, a mild-mannered, bespectacled pharmacist managing a 24-hour drugstore in Culver City. Basehart’s character portrayal is nuanced, demonstrating fine acting skills as he morphs from a submissive husband into a calculated, revenge-seeking man as the plot unfolds. Brilliantly embodying the haplessness of a common man trapped in an unrequited relationship, Basehart brings much sensitivity and depth to his role.

Opposite Basehart is the icy and manipulative Claire, a femme fatale with her eyes set on bigger things, played by the compelling Audrey Totter. In her usual film noir style, Totter is striking as the unfaithful and ambitious wife. Her relentless pursuit of luxuries and a high-flying lifestyle even at her husband’s expense makes Totter’s character someone the audience love to despise.

In the middle of this turbulent relationship, the film takes a surprising turn, introducing Cyd Charisse, who plays Mary, a compassionate and unsuspecting woman that gets tangled up in Quimby’s unusual scheme for revenge. Charisse's Mary provides a stark contrast to Totter's Claire; she exemplifies warmth, humility, and genuine love compared to Claire’s manipulative and selfish antics.

The movie, rich in potent dialogue and driven by intriguing character dynamics, is a rather unique one within the noir genre. Notably, it places the story's virtue and violence within a domestic framework, exploring the interpersonal relationships and realities that can drive ordinary individuals to concoct their darkest deeds.

Tension is infused with the classic traits of film noir. Cinematographer Harry Stradling convincingly employs shadowy lighting, unorthodox camera angles, and moody atmospherics to amplify the film’s tense narrative. The glossy nightscape of Los Angeles serves as an apt backdrop for this tale of cuckolded revenge, lust, and murder. Furthermore, the film’s emotionally impactful score composed by Andre Previn heightens the suspense.

The movie’s screenplay, penned by Allen Rivkin, is packed with clever twists and turns. It keeps the viewer constantly engaged, presenting dramatic irony as an unusual but effective component. The depth of character development in Rivkin’s script is quite remarkable, particularly for the genre and era. This gives room for the leads to flesh out their characters, making their predicaments more appealing and their motivations understandable.

Director John Berry capably steers the film. His storytelling approach is commendable. Berry doesn't just show us mere characters with shady motivations on the screen, rather he forces us to think, to grapple with their actions, to analyze why they are driven to do what they do. Despite the film’s embedding in darkness and deceit, Berry manages to weave a powerful human drama that goes beyond traditional crime and punishment tales.

In conclusion, Tension is a pulsating drama that thrives on its sudden twists, layered characters, and thrilling narrative. It might not be a well-known noir compared to others in the genre, but it certainly is a worthwhile watch. Whether you’re a film noir aficionado or someone with an interest in period cinema with engaging character studies, Tension offers a captivating blend of suspense, deceit, love, and ultimately, redemption.