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Atmospheric, paranoiac WWII spy noir, based on a Graham Greene novel (Greene did NOT like this adaptation), directed by Fritz Lang in 1944 (who apologised to Greene years later for making it), with reliable Ray as Hitchcockian hero: a recently-released psychiatric patient, mistakenly mixed up in enemy activity, soon on the run from cops and Nazis, out to clear himself of murder and discover the part the cake he won in a raffle plays in conspiracy, treason and murder... and doing it all with sardonic humour. No need for a spoiler alert on romance and though Seton I. Miller is no Ernest Lehmann, Milland's Stephen does fall as heavily for Marjorie Reynolds' Carla, as did Roger Thornhill for Eve Kendall 15 years later. Reynolds is the blonde this time and though I prefer her in musicals, she is fine. Popular character actor Dan Duryea pops up in an early role. All-in-all, "Ministry of Fear" is a nice time-waster, a thriller with clever twists and a protagonist wracked with guilt, given a chance to redeem himself... The 2K restoration looks and sounds great, there’s also a trailer and an interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney on the disc and a booklet with an essay by critic Glenn Kenny and the great Criterion original artwork. DVD and posted from USA to Australia included, $25. Good value for an item on my wish list.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Fritz Lang was out of place in Hollywood, he never understood them, nor they him. Ministry of Fear looks good and features some of his stylish imagery. It begins with a lot of promise via a compelling and beautifully produced intro at an Asylum, and then leads to an odd fairground situation that’s peppered with many intriguing characters –although most of these, as with others throughout the action amount to little within the overall story. There’s even a strange exciting chase through a misty landscape with attempted murder - but Graham Green’s solid scenario gets watered down by a fiddling producer and screen play writer who seem to lose the plot. Both Ray Milland and Marjory Reynolds look terrific and work very well together but weak situations let them down. Dan Duryea is interesting as usual but given little to do. Those wanting to follow the career of Lang’s American years might find this worthwhile, where others could find it unrewarding. The Criterion Re-mastered DVD is clean, offering nice image and sound. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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