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5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Shot in the Dark remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, only if you have a very specific itch for British murder mysteries from the early 30s. If you are looking for snappy pacing or a plot that actually keeps you guessing, you’re probably going to be bored by the second act. It feels like a stage play that got lost on its way to a theater and ended up on film instead.
The whole thing takes place in this house that looks like it hasn't been dusted since the turn of the century. Everyone is shouting about money and wills. It reminded me a bit of the vibe in Murder in the Pullman, where you just want someone to finally say something interesting.
The dialogue is so stiff it’s practically wood. People walk into a room, announce they are shocked, and then walk right back out. There is this one scene where a character is looking for a hidden paper, and it lasts for an eternity. I think I counted three times they checked the same bookshelf. We get it, it’s not there.
The performances are... well, they are certainly choices. There is a lot of over-the-top hand-wringing. It’s like everyone is performing for the back row of a balcony that isn't even there. It’s a bit much.
It’s not as lively as Excitement, that’s for sure. It feels trapped by its own setting. You can practically hear the director telling everyone to stand still so they don't hit the boom mic. If you want a movie that makes you feel like you are sitting in a waiting room, look no further.
Still, there is a weird charm to how seriously they treat this silliness. They act like this is a Shakespearean tragedy, but it’s really just a bunch of people being mean to each other over a checkbook. 🕵️♂️