Alright, folks, let’s cut the crap and talk movies. Today, we’re diving into the murky depths of two films that, while separated by decades, share a common thread: the dark side of human nature. We’ve got Orson Welles’ 1958 masterpiece, Touch of Evil, a classic film noir dripping with shadows and moral ambiguity, and Steven Soderbergh’s 2000 neo-noir, Traffic, a sprawling look at the drug trade. Two different beasts, but both worth a look, if you know what you’re getting into. I’ve seen enough bad movies to last a lifetime, so trust me when I say this isn’t some fluff piece.
Let’s start with the stories. Touch of Evil is a tight, twisted tale of corruption in a small border town. You’ve got a Mexican narcotics agent and his American wife caught up in a web of deceit spun by a bloated, corrupt police captain, played by Welles himself. The plot is like a coiled snake, ready to strike. Traffic, on the other hand, is a sprawling epic, following multiple storylines about the drug war from the streets to the highest levels of government. It’s a mess of characters and plots, but it’s a mess that works, mostly. It’s not a recycled concept, but it is a familiar one, and that’s the problem. Both grab you, but in different ways. Touch of Evil is like a punch to the gut, Traffic is a slow burn, a simmering pot of tension. Plot wise, Touch of Evil is lean and mean, no unnecessary twists, just pure suspense. Traffic throws a lot at you, it can feel a bit too much at times, but it does keep you engaged, mostly. The difference? Touch of Evil knows what it is, Traffic tries to be a lot of things at once.
Now, characters. Touch of Evil is filled with unforgettable characters. Welles’ Hank Quinlan is a force of nature, a corrupt cop you can’t take your eyes off. Charlton Heston as the by-the-book Vargas is a good foil, and Marlene Dietrich as the cynical Tana is just iconic. These are not just characters, they are almost mythical, with clear motivations and flaws. They live and breathe on screen. In Traffic, you get a wide array of characters, from Michael Douglas as the newly appointed drug czar to Benicio Del Toro as the conflicted cop. The performances are solid, but I’m not emotionally invested in all of their journeys. Some are just there to move the plot along. They are, for the most part, convincing, but they lack the depth of Touch of Evil. It’s like a buffet: some dishes are great, others are just okay. I remember when I saw a film with a character that was so flat, that it literally felt like I was watching a cardboard cutout. These characters at least have some dimension.
The direction is where these films really shine. Welles, in Touch of Evil, is a master of atmosphere, using long takes and low-angle shots to create a sense of unease and dread. It’s not flashy, it’s purposeful. Soderbergh, in Traffic, employs a more documentary-style approach, using handheld cameras and a gritty, realistic look. It’s efficient but not as artistically impactful as Welles. Touch of Evil is a lesson in how to use the camera to tell a story, creating a visual language that is both beautiful and unsettling. The cinematography is not there for show, it’s a tool to enhance the mood. Traffic is a more modern approach, aiming for a raw and realistic feel. It works, but it doesn’t have the same visual punch. It’s like comparing a classical painting to a photograph, both have their merits, but one has the weight of art. I saw a film once, where the camera work was so bad it made me dizzy, felt like I was on a rollercoaster. These two films at least understand how to use a camera.
Pacing is key, and Touch of Evil is a masterclass in tension building. It never drags, every scene serves a purpose. Traffic, being a longer film, has some lulls, but it generally keeps you engaged. There are parts that could have been cut, but nothing that makes the film unwatchable. I hate films that drag on, it’s a sure way to lose my attention. These two films understand how to keep things moving, even if Traffic sometimes loses its way in the many story lines. I remember once watching a movie that had a scene that felt like it lasted an eternity, I almost walked out, but I was on the clock. These two, despite their flaws, at least know how to pace a film.
The music and sound design also play a crucial role. Touch of Evil has a jazzy, almost noir-ish score that perfectly complements the dark tone. The sound design is equally effective, adding to the sense of unease. Traffic uses a more contemporary soundtrack, which works well with the film’s modern feel. The sound is good, but not as memorable as Touch of Evil. I recall watching a film where the music was so bad it felt like a bad karaoke night in a dive bar. These two at least understand how to use sound to enhance the viewing experience. The music in Touch of Evil elevates the film to another level, it’s almost a character itself. Traffic uses sound well, but it doesn’t reach the same heights.
Both films have something to say about society. Touch of Evil is a commentary on corruption and the abuse of power, it does make you reflect on the dark side of human nature. Traffic takes on the war on drugs, showing its complexities and failures. It definitely has a message, and it tries to make you think about the system. Both films want to leave you thinking beyond the screen, which is more than I can say for most of the garbage that is released these days. I always appreciate a film that makes me think, not just something that is pure entertainment. I saw a film that was so shallow once, that it felt like I was watching a puddle, these two, at least, are deep enough to dive into.
Genre wise, Touch of Evil is a perfect example of film noir, it hits all the right notes, and it’s a landmark in the genre. Traffic is a solid neo-noir, though it can feel a bit disjointed at times. Both films deliver in terms of thrills, drama, and suspense, but Touch of Evil is a stand out in its genre. It’s a film that defined the genre, while Traffic just lives in it. I saw a film once that tried to be a noir, but it was so bad it felt like a parody. These two, at least, know their genres.
Audience reception and reviews are mostly positive for both. Touch of Evil is considered a classic, with critics praising its direction and performances. Traffic, while not as universally acclaimed, was a critical and commercial success. Touch of Evil has more of a legacy, it has stood the test of time. Traffic was more of a success of its time, and it’s not as celebrated as its older counterpart. I hate reviews that are just fluff, these two films have a lot to talk about, both good and bad. I’ve seen films get praised to the heavens, just to find out that they are a complete waste of time. These two, at least, deserve the praise they get.
Production design wise, Touch of Evil is gritty and atmospheric, with its dark, shadowy sets. Traffic aims for realism, with a more modern feel. Both films do a good job of creating the right mood. Touch of Evil is more about creating an atmosphere, while Traffic tries to be more grounded in reality. Both are well crafted, but Touch of Evil has a visual style that is more memorable. I once saw a film with a production design that was so bad it made me want to close my eyes, these two are in a different league. The visuals in Touch of Evil are not just there to look good, they are part of the story, while Traffic is more functional.
For overall enjoyment, Touch of Evil is a film that I will return to, it’s a masterpiece of its genre, and it’s a film that you can watch multiple times and still discover new things. Traffic is a good watch, but it doesn’t have the same replay value. It’s a good flick for a night in, but it’s not a film that will stay with you for years to come. Touch of Evil is a film that lingers in your mind, it leaves a lasting impact. Traffic is more of a quick thrill, a good movie, but not a classic. I value a film that stays with me, not just something that I forget the second the credits roll. Touch of Evil is a film that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve watched it, Traffic is more of a “that was good” kind of film.
The script and dialogue is sharp in both films, but Touch of Evil has a more memorable dialogue. It’s witty, cynical, and full of quotable lines. Traffic is more realistic, the characters speak like real people, but it lacks the punch of Touch of Evil. The dialogue in Touch of Evil is almost poetic, it’s a mix of wit and cynicism. Traffic is more functional, it gets the job done, but it’s not as memorable. I hate films with clunky dialogue, it’s like nails on a chalkboard. These two, at least, know how to write a decent script.
Symbolism and subtext is where Touch of Evil truly shines, the film is full of layers of meaning, it’s not just a simple crime story. Traffic has some subtext, but it’s not as deep or complex. Touch of Evil is a film that rewards multiple viewings, there’s always something new to discover. Traffic is more straightforward, it doesn’t have the same level of depth. I love a film that makes me think, that has layers of meaning. Touch of Evil is a film that you can dive into and find something new each time, Traffic is more like a puddle, not as much depth.
Production quality is high in both. Touch of Evil is a well-crafted film, even by today’s standards. Traffic is a polished modern film, and it’s well made. Both films are solid when it comes to production quality. Touch of Evil is a masterpiece of cinema, and it has stood the test of time. Traffic is a modern, well-made film, but not a classic. I hate movies that look cheap or rushed, these two are in a different league. Touch of Evil is like a finely crafted clock, every piece is in place. Traffic is a well oiled machine, it gets the job done.
Finally, conflict and tension, Touch of Evil is a masterclass in building tension. The conflict is believable, and the film keeps you on the edge of your seat. Traffic has tension, but it’s not as gripping as Touch of Evil. It is more of a slow burn, and it’s not as intense. Touch of Evil knows how to build suspense, the tension is palpable. Traffic is more of a slow unfolding of events, it’s not as gripping. I love movies that keep me on the edge of my seat, these two, at least, know how to build tension. Touch of Evil is like a coiled spring, ready to snap, while Traffic is more of a slow leak.
So, there you have it. Two very different films, both worth watching, for different reasons. Touch of Evil is a classic, a must-see for any serious film fan. Traffic is a solid movie, but not a masterpiece. Choose wisely, folks, your time is precious, don’t waste it on trash.
