Odd Man Out is an entertaining chase movie that has been criticized for an unrealistic representation of Northern Ireland. Directed by London-born Carol Reed, the film works for the universality of its story, and James Mason's fine performance compensates considerably for the film's sometimes blurry focus. The supporting performances are first-rate -- Cyril Cusack's in particular -- and the attention to character detail is unusual for films of the 1940s. Mason's intricate, psychological performance is among the best of his career, while Reed's use of visual symbolism (such as the crucifixion motif in the film's conclusion) provides additional richness. Odd Man Out was remade in 1969 as The Lost Man, with a U.S. setting and Sidney Poitier in Mason's role.