176. The Wages of Fear

The Wages of Fear (1953)

Director : Henri-Georges Clouzot

Starring: Yves Montand

Charles Vanel

Folco Lulli

Peter van Eyck

IMDb Rating : 8

My Rating : 8.5

When I was a kid, I used to see men go off on this kind of job.... and not come back. When they did, they were wrecks. Their hair had turned white and their hands were shaking like palsy! You don't know what fear is. But you'll see. It's catching, it's catching like small pox! And once you get it, it's for life! So long, boys, and good luck."

Synopsis

When a South American oil well catches fire, the American owned Southern Oil Company hires four men to drive nitroglycerin to extinguish the flames. The journey to the fires is far and across mountains and very rocky terrain, which proves extremely dangerous considering the cargo that they are carrying.

What's so great about The Wages of Fear?

The Wages of Fear obviously has an edge of your seat subject matter, but it's not just the thrills that make this movie great. It's really a character study of the four men who face death at pretty much every corner. How they deal with that stress gives an extra dimension to this film, and is truly what sets it apart from other "disaster" type films.

Anything not so great?

I am going to catch some grief for this, but the ending felt like they just didn't know how to end it. I understand that it's very symbolic, but a better ending could have been created for a film that is nothing short of a success up to that point.

Best Scene

With a construction barricade blocking part of the road, they are forced to turn around on a platform that sits high above a valley below. It's completely nerve racking, but you cannot take your eyes off the screen.

Does The Wages of Fear belong in The 250?

Yes. It's thrilling moments perfectly contrast the moments of drama. That balance, along with very solid performances from Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Folco Lulli, and Peter van Eyck insure it's place in The 250 is well deserved.

Final Words

I genuinely liked this film. Director Henri-Georges Clouzot gives us a film that is all together entertaining and well made. If you choose to see this film, which I think you really should, don't be deterred by the beginning. They do take a little time to set up the characters, which is really beneficial once we have the same four guys for an hour and a half. Overall, The Wages of Fear is not to be missed.