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| A STREETCAR NAME DESIRE (1951) | |
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the shadow of the American occupation of Japan after World War II during
an extremely hot summer afternoon, Murakami (Toshirô Mifune), a young
homicide detective, is duped by a pickpocket who steals his issued gun.
Detective Murakami notifies his superior about the theft which causes him
embarrassment and fear of being fired. The humiliation combined with
the fear compels Detective Murakami to keep searching for the thief by
going undercover. Murakami probes the scorching Tokyo streets and
alleys with meticulously scanning eyes as he comes across a weapons dealer
that has clues about the guns whereabouts. These clues help Murakami
to continue the investigation as he is assisted by the shrewd Detective
Sato (Takashi Shimura) to uncover further clues of the identity of the
pickpocket. As clues accumulate Murakami seems to identify himself
more and more with the criminal. This begins to wear on Murakami,
but the understanding Sato keeps reminding him that he is doing the right
thing.
Stray Dog is an intense criminal story that examines the psychology of the characters as in compares the similarities between criminals and detectives. These similarities are balanced on a thin line based on choice, which Kurosawa dissects studiously through the camera lens. Kurosawa's investigation of the character's psychology creates a spiraling suspense that is enhanced through subtle surprises and brilliant cinematography. The camera use often displays shots through thin cloths, close ups, and new camera angles, which also makes the film aesthetically appealing. When Kurosawa brings together camera work and cast performance, among other cinematic aspects, he leaves the audience with a brilliantly suspenseful criminal drama, which leaves much room for introspection and retrospection. |
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USA |
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| REVIEWED | |
| 5/22/2004 | |
| GRADE | |
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The Internet Movie Database. |
