Detour (1945)
"Detour" (1945) is a testament to film noir, skillfully turning its low-budget production into a stark, haunting masterpiece. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, this 70-minute film captures the essence of noir with its pervasive sense of fatalism and entrapment.
Tom Neal excels as Al Roberts, the beleaguered pianist ensnared by cruel fate, effectively conveying the dark, introspective nature of a noir protagonist. Ann Savage delivers a standout performance as Vera, embodying the femme fatale with a venomous intensity that dominates every scene she's in.
Despite its technical constraints, Ulmer’s adept use of lighting and angles intensifies the feeling of isolation and looming danger, enhancing the film’s gritty atmosphere. "Detour" leverages its imperfections, using raw, minimalistic production techniques that amplify the narrative's tension and desperation.
As Al Roberts himself laments, "Whichever way you turn, Fate sticks out a foot to trip you," encapsulating the relentless grip of noir fatalism.
★★★★½