109m, 1965
This film is best enjoyed for the style, or ambiance. There is a scene where a uniformed band marches down a lane. A man stands leaning over the railing of a bridge. People saunter enjoying the evening. Speckled ducks floating on clear water. A picture of civilization and harmony. This of course is not the theme of this silly spy movie.
Bosley Crowther<
"And in one respect he has succeeded. He has built up the proper atmosphere in which a daredevil-challenging mystery might conceivably occur and a dauntless and daring detective might acceptably take wing.
His setting of London, in which this espionage thriller takes place, is full of rich and mellow colors and highly official goings-on behind dark-paneled doors in old, gray buildings and in cozy bachelor digs and gentlemen's clubs......Fast, fluid, candid shooting; startling close-ups of telephones, traffic lights, train wheels; eyes and faces seen through slits in doors make for sheer physical excitement and a feeling of things happening. The Ipcress File is as classy a spy film as you could ask to see."
This film is best enjoyed for the style, or ambiance. There is a scene where a uniformed band marches down a lane. A man stands leaning over the railing of a bridge. People saunter enjoying the evening. Speckled ducks floating on clear water. A picture of civilization and harmony. This of course is not the theme of this silly spy movie.
Bosley Crowther<
"And in one respect he has succeeded. He has built up the proper atmosphere in which a daredevil-challenging mystery might conceivably occur and a dauntless and daring detective might acceptably take wing.
His setting of London, in which this espionage thriller takes place, is full of rich and mellow colors and highly official goings-on behind dark-paneled doors in old, gray buildings and in cozy bachelor digs and gentlemen's clubs......Fast, fluid, candid shooting; startling close-ups of telephones, traffic lights, train wheels; eyes and faces seen through slits in doors make for sheer physical excitement and a feeling of things happening. The Ipcress File is as classy a spy film as you could ask to see."
