There are a few films made in the 1940s in the crime film noir genre that have not only managed to stand the test of time, but have also created a style and cinematic direction that have been followed by well-known filmmakers – American and from other parts of the world – in the decades that have followed since then. The 1944-made ‘Laura’ is a very good example on this regard. Like many other American films of those years, it owes a lot to filmmakers from Europe who had taken refuge in the New World because of the Nazi persecutions. The film was produced by Bukovina-born Otto Preminger and was initially directed by Rouben Mamoulian, replaced during filming by Preminger himself. The producer took director responsibilities of this film because he was dissatisfied with the rewriting of the script and the directions taken by Mamoulian in the approach to the screen adaptation of the novel by Vera Caspary (who also co-wrote the script). I saw the film 80 years after its production and premiere and I can say that there are many good reasons to watch it even today.
At first glance, ‘Laura‘ is a fairly classic ‘whodunit’. A New York police inspector investigates the murder of a beautiful and intelligent woman who had been coveted by many suitors, including an adventurer who almost convinced her to marry him and an older journalist specializing in reporting on crime investigations not very different from the one at the center of the film. In order not to spoil the pleasure of those who will want to watch the film, I will not say more than that the plot provides enough surprises and twists to keep the attention of viewers then and today on the alert.
The detective story would not be enough, however, especially 80 years after the crimes were committed. ‘Laura‘ also excels in its visual style and in the quality of two of the main actors. The story takes place in the well-off economic and social environment of journalists and advertising creators in New York. The war is not mentioned at all, probably because this is one of the escapist films of the period that tried to remove the audience from the surrounding atmosphere, whether it was the spectators at home or the soldiers on the battlefronts. Instead, we are introduced to the homes of some of the heroes, decorated with art objects, one of which will also play a role in the detective plot. It is the first collaboration between Preminger and the cinematographer Joseph LaShelle and the symbiosis between the two is already felt. The female lead character is played by Gene Tierney, a beautiful and expressive actress, in her first leading role in a career that should have been longer. The role of the journalist is played by Clifton Webb, an exceptional actor, brought by Preminger from Broadway. His style of interpretation fits the role perfectly and reminded me of Jeremy Irons’ good roles. Both Gene Tierney and Clifton Webb stand out from the rest of the cast and if they could be transported forward in time to today’s era they could easily find their place in Hollywood casts. ‘Laura‘ is a fresh and interesting experience. If you get the chance to watch it, don’t miss it!