Synopsis
Set on the seedy US-Mexico border, Touch of Evil follows honest Mexican narcotics officer Miguel Vargas as he investigates a car bombing while clashing with the bloated, morally bankrupt American detective Hank Quinlan. Orson Welles directs with breathtaking visual inventiveness, using deep shadows, distorted angles, and one of cinema's most celebrated opening sequences to craft a brooding, cynical portrait of corruption and justice.
Did You Know?
- The opening shot is a legendary uncut three-minute tracking shot.
- Orson Welles gained 30 pounds to play corrupt Captain Hank Quinlan.
- Charlton Heston lobbied for Orson Welles to direct the film.
- Welles was dissatisfied with the studio's final cut of the film.
- Janet Leigh's role inspired her casting in Hitchcock's Psycho later.
Iconic Quotes
- A policeman's job is only easy in a police state.
- You're a mess, honey. You wanna try the other side?
- He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?
- Come on, read my future for me. You haven't got any.
- You know, your future is all used up.
