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Wait Until Dark (1967)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 2/14, 8/15

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2/14: I never heard of Wait Until Dark until spotting it in the library only because I liked the look of the DVD cover.

Initially, I had low expectations because it starred the wafer-thin Audrey Hepburn who pretended to be *eyes roll* blind. It's one of the fewest flaws of the picture.

Right after the scene with the French girl and the old man, an awkward transition is initiated by Richard Crenna and Jack Weston who are both terrible actors. Then, the tide begins to change when Alan Arkin makes his first appearance as the sinister Mr. Roat.

What Alan Arkin did with his character is nothing short of brilliant. From start to finish, he dominates the film with his combed-down hair style, shaded glasses, black clothes, exotic weapons, and smooth delivery of words. In short, Mr. Roat is a bad motherfucker.

Moreover, Alan Arkin is responsible for creating one of the most dramatic, terrifying scenes ever in cinema history. The last ten minutes is the definition of true terror. Never have I ever seen a film that makes the most effective use of complete blackness in a scene. Of course, Audrey Hepburn brings out the best of her classical training by evincing the typical dasmel-in-distress reactions, and they're effective. But still, it's Alan Arkin who steals the show.

In many ways, Wait Until Dark is a cross between Rear Window and Dial M for Murder. As a matter of fact, I guarantee you if there's any film Alfred Hitchcock wished that he directed, it's this one. If you told me he actually did, I would've believed it. However, what's not surprising is the play was penned by Frederick Knott who also wrote Dial M for Murder. Hence, there are many similarities between these two.

All in all, despite the flaws, Wait Until Dark is a thriller masterpiece, thanks to Alan Arkin's showstopping performance.

8/15: Alan Arkin is a one bad motherfucker in Wait Until Dark.

However, I can't take Audrey Hepburn seriously as her level of terror often vacillates between believable and full-of-shit. Still, it's the last ten minutes with Alan Arkin that saves her performance from being a total farce.

All in all, although theatrical, Wait Until Dark is the best Hitchcockian film that's not directed by the man himself.