The Harvard Film Archive is hosting a special series celebrating the works of renowned author Graham Greene, showcasing his profound influence on cinema. Greene, known for his captivating storytelling and moral depth, has inspired numerous filmmakers, resulting in over three dozen films adapted from his novels. This series, titled 'The Cold Heart Is More Precious Than Diamonds: The Cinema of Graham Greene', offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of literature and film. Greene's affinity for film is evident in his occasional screenwriting and astute film reviews, particularly his insightful critique of Frank Capra's 'Lost Horizon'.
The series features a diverse range of directors, each bringing their unique interpretation to Greene's works. John Ford's 'The Fugitive', an adaptation of 'The Power and the Glory', will be screened on September 7th. Fritz Lang's 'Ministry of Fear' (1944) and George Cukor's 'Travels with My Aunt' (1972) are also part of the lineup. However, the director most closely associated with Greene is Carol Reed, who has three films in the series: 'Our Man in Havana', 'The Fallen Idol', and the iconic 'The Third Man'.
'The Third Man' is a masterpiece, enhanced by the addition of Orson Welles as the villainous Harry Lime. The film's memorable scenes, such as the zither music, the Prater wheel, and the cat, have become iconic. Reed's other classic Greene film, 'The Fallen Idol', is a gripping exploration of moral nuance, featuring a remarkable performance by Ralph Richardson. The series also includes adaptations of Greene's 'entertainments', such as 'Ministry of Fear', 'This Gun for Hire', 'Confidential Agent', and 'Our Man in Havana'.
One of the most striking American moments in the series is found in 'This Gun for Hire', where Alan Ladd's portrayal of a hired gun is both visually and emotionally gripping. 'Went the Day Well?' (1942) offers a different kind of desperation, as an English village is occupied by Nazi paratroopers. 'Brighton Rock' (1948) features a creepy Richard Attenborough as a murderous teenage thug, with an innovative audio recording technique adding depth to the ending. The 2010 'Brighton Rock' adaptation, starring Andrea Riseborough, is notably absent from the series.
The series also includes adaptations of 'The Quiet American' and 'The End of the Affair', with varying degrees of success. While the 1958 and 2002 'Quiet American' adaptations have their merits, the 1999 'End of the Affair' directed by Neil Jordan is considered one of the best Greene films not directed by Carol Reed. The Harvard Film Archive's series provides a comprehensive exploration of Greene's impact on cinema, offering a unique perspective on his works and their enduring appeal.
