bradbrevet said: Strangely enough, I watched that one based on your enthusiasm for it and I have Bottle Rocket on my coffee table right now because of you as well. I think you nailed my impression of it though, "lukewarm." I liked it more than most films, but just didn't love it. Unfortunately, I am not anticipating any repeat viewings either. :(

Oh well… I still feel flattered ;)

The first time I saw the film I liked it fine (the cinematography, Welles' titanic performance, the deliriously perfect Zither score), but it didn't rock my world. Then I saw it in a theater in a deluxe restored anniversary release and it absolutely blew my mind. The film swept over me, all of its subtle nuances and delicate minutae hitting me like they never had before. From Graham Greene's brilliant adapation (of his own book) to Carol Reed's carefully assured direction I fell completely and totally in love. I went back and watched it three more times, the film becoming one of those seminal viewing experiences I'll remember for the rest of my life.

I guess what I'm saying is this – I get what you're saying. The movie has an odd ebb adn flow to it that can be a little bit unorthodox and, at times, trying. It takes its time to get to the big reveals. It keeps its cards pressed firmly to the vest, sometimes almsot annoyingly so. Yet it does all this for distinct reasons, that frustration the viewers part almost identical to the growing aggravations on Holly Martins' (so superbly played by an eternally underrated Joseph Cotton) part. This is a picture that demands repeat viewings and almost cries to be seen in the confines of a movie theater. I suggest you give it another chance. You might be surprised what you end up discovering.

domenic padulo said: I think we need to address the lukewarm reaction to Mean Streets. I pretty much felt the same way the first time I saw it, but it gets so much better upon repeat viewings and is now one of my all-time favorites.

Strangely enough, I watched that one based on your enthusiasm for it and I have Bottle Rocket on my coffee table right now because of you as well. I think you nailed my impression of it though, "lukewarm." I liked it more than most films, but just didn't love it. Unfortunately, I am not anticipating any repeat viewings either. :(

I think we need to address the lukewarm reaction to Mean Streets. I pretty much felt the same way the first time I saw it, but it gets so much better upon repeat viewings and is now one of my all-time favorites.

davidfrank said: That may be the 1st time i've ever read something on the The Third Man with no mention of the score :) Thoughts?

Yeah, I know how everyone thinks it is so much fun and lively and cool to say zither, but if I was going to say anything it would have only been to say that other people have mentioned it. It didn't move me one way or the other so I just dismissed it.

I don't really see the big deal.