Is Witness in the City Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1959)
Industrialist Pierre Verdier kills his mistress Jeanne Ancelin by throwing her off a train. Her husband, Ancelin, decides to take revenge on his wife's murderer, who has been acqui...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Crime, Thriller cinema, then Witness in the City offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1959 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
With the release of Witness in the City (1959), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Thriller. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Industrialist Pierre Verdier kills his mistress Jeanne Ancelin by throwing her off a train. Her husband, Ancelin, decides to take revenge on his wife's murderer, who has been acquitted by justice."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Lino Ventura does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Witness in the City worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Thriller films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, Witness in the City is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 86 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.