Unsettling Suburban Nightmare Unveiled

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Desperate Hours
(Approved) –

Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir
Year Released: 1955, 2023 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): William Wyler
Writer(s): Joseph Hayes (screenplay,) Joseph Hayes (novel,) Joseph Hayes (play,) Jay Dratler (contributor to screenplay construction)
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March, Martha Scott, Arthur Kennedy, Gig Young, Alan Reed, Bert Freed, Dewey Martin, Mary Murphy, Richard Eyer, Robert Middleton, Ray Collins, Whit Bissell, Ray Teal
Where To Watch: available October 17, 2023; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating the emotionally charged cinemascape that is THE DESPERATE HOURS, we’re embraced by a storytelling experience oscillating seamlessly between serene suburban life and the turbulent world of wild rebellion. It’s a Film-Noir “classic” that doesn’t get nearly the love and appreciation I think it should. The voyage, directed by William Wyler, propels us through calm and storm, offering an exploration that, while profoundly unsettling, binds us in a captivating cinematic enigma. This gorgeous restoration proves why films must continue being transferred to disc for preservation. This film looks remarkable, and I would dare to say better than it did on the day it premiered.

The journey Wyler curates embeds itself in the dichotomy of serenity and chaos. Humphrey Bogart and Fredric March, portraying Glenn Griffin and Daniel Hilliard, respectively, create a whirlwind where calmness and anarchy create a dangerous mix. The uninvited chaos that Griffin introduces into Hilliard’s meticulously orderly world unravels a thread of wonder, poking and prodding at our conceptions of morality, law, and, significantly, the lengths to which one would journey when pushed to the edge of desperation.

In every frame, the monochrome magnificence of Lee Garmes’ cinematography cloaks the story in a garment of visual contradiction, amplifying the undercurrents of fear and tension that quietly tread beneath the surface of suburban tranquility. The black-and-white aesthetic doesn’t just transport us to a specific period. It shades every frame with an intangible trepidation, painting every smile with a subtle stroke of unease and every frown with a deeper shadow of despair.

As we steer through the turbulent waters faced by the Hilliards, we emerge in their emotional and psychological maelstrom. Once secure in the sanctuary of their structured existence, this family is tossed into a heart-wrenching cyclone of fear, upheaval, and unsettlingly resonating with the fragility of our perceived securities.

Embarking deeper, Bogart’s Glenn Griffin not only invites us to gaze into the darkened reflections of society but also nudges us to ponder upon the shadowy realms within ourselves. While a manifestation of rebellion and disorder, the character becomes a murky mirror, gently unveiling the darkness that lurks within any individual when pushed.

THE DESPERATE HOURS takes us through a stunningly crafted narrative, where waves of serenity and storms of desperation collide and intertwine, presenting a visually arresting journey and emotional upheaval. The movie bravely sets its takes on the rough seas of emotional and psychological exploration, creating a film journey that is, without a doubt, both memorable and deeply impactful. We disembark from this experience, perhaps a bit shaken and contemplative, yet undeniably moved by the profound tales whispered by its cinematic winds into our eager ears.

Bonus Materials:
– Brand new restoration by Arrow Films from a 6K scan of the original VistaVision negative
– High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
– Original restored lossless mono audio
– Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on all films
– Brand new audio commentary by film historian Daniel Kremer
– Trouble in Suburbia – brand new appreciation of the film by José Arroyo, Associate Professor in Film and Television Studies at the University of Warwick
– The Lonely Man – brand new visual essay by Eloise Ross, co-curator of the Melbourne Cinémathèque
– Scaled Down and Ratcheted Up – brand new audio interview with Catherine Wyler, daughter of director William Wyler
– Lobby cards gallery
– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jennifer Dionisio
– Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Philip Kemp and Neil Sinyard

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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