The Defiant Ones (1958)

What an incredible film. For something set in 1958, in pre civil rights America, this is an incredibly incendiary narrative with some intense performances turned in by it's two stars. Let me start with the narrative. Written today the themes discussed within would be controversial and inflammatory. Set in 1958 makes this film positively explosive. I do think there are one or two areas that could make this film even more powerful. The paths that the two protagonists take is rather predictable and if there were more obstacles to their paths the film could be stronger. Any weakness in the narrative is completely overcome by the performances of Poitier and Curtis. The chemistry between the two is remarkable and the paths they take with their respective characters is extraordinary. By then end of the film, as they rush to jump the train, the tension established is palpable. The audience knows they cant make it but the shot of their hands clasping and then breaking is heartrending. In the postmodern age of anti-heroes and escapism a feeling like this is never created. Flammable subject, great performances, awesome film.