(1944)
2.5
Craig Butler
On the whole, Dark Waters is only a passable "suspenser," but it provides plenty of entertainment for fans of Hitchcock-like thrillers. As is so often the case, the problem lies with the screenplay, which uses elements that have been seen far too many times before and since. A Gaslight-type of set-up, the plot needs more invention, the dialogue more snap and/or depth, and the characters more originality in order for Waters to stand out. However, Waters does benefit from its location, the Louisian bayous. Director Andre De Toth, his designers and cinematographers have been able to make use of the dark, dangerous bayou scenery (not filmed on location, of course) to add a layer of menace and suspense that the screenplay itself strives for but often lacks. De Toth is in fine form; if he can't quite prove himself master over the material as Hitchcock might, he still adds a signature to the piece and gives it character. He might have done even better had his leads been more enthralling than Merle Oberon and Franchot Tone, both of whom are adequate but nothing more. De Toth has much better luck with his supporting cast, especially Thomas Mitchell, who is quite effective in a change-of-pace role.
awards for Dark Waters on AllMovie
Dark Waters (1944)
Telluride Film Festival
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Presented |
Film Presented
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1981 |
