On The Waterfront (1954) (SPOILERS)

Staggeringly good drama, with top performance from Brando, and cinematographer (Boris Kaufman) and director (Elia Kazan)

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Rashomon (1950)

An influential film, at least technically, with a narrative gimmick that no longer surprises. Was it worth it? ('Rashomon' refers to the city gate under which three characters share the tale of an alleged rape and murder.)

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The Seventh Seal (1957)

The Seventh Seal in the Book of Revelations marks the approach of the Day of Judgement. For a film about such a gloomy prospect, there is a surprising note of optimism.

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In A Lonely Place (1950) (Spoilers)

Bogart's most psychologically ambiguous role as a down-on-his-luck screenwriter suspected of murdering the girl who has read the book he's going to use to revive his fortunes. Until he meets Gloria Grahame!

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