The Variegateds Case
The Variegateds Case

Movie spotlight

The Variegateds Case

1958
Movie
102 min
Russian

Sergey's girlfriend desperately wants him to quit dangerous police job. But Sergey doesn't want to abandon his new case which proves to be quite difficult.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Elia KazanGenres: Drama, Mystery, Crime

Plot Summary

In the bustling heart of a post-war city, a detective grapples with a perplexing case involving a series of seemingly unrelated disappearances. As he delves deeper into the lives of the victims, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and a hidden society with sinister motives. The investigation forces him to confront his own demons and question the true nature of justice.

Critical Reception

The Variegateds Case was met with a mixed but often passionate critical response. While some lauded its ambitious narrative and Kazan's masterful direction, others found its complex plot occasionally convoluted. Audiences were similarly divided, with its dark themes and ambiguous ending proving polarizing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty atmosphere and Kazan's signature intense performances, particularly from Marlon Brando.

  • Criticized by some for a plot that, while intricate, could be perceived as overly dense or difficult to follow.

  • The film's exploration of moral ambiguity and societal decay resonated with many, even if its conclusion was unsettling.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's mature themes and strong acting, with many highlighting Marlon Brando's compelling portrayal. However, some viewers found the pacing slow and the narrative too convoluted for a satisfying resolution.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Supporting Actor (Karl Malden), and Best Original Screenplay. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Marlon Brando.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, almost theatrical set design for the film's subterranean 'Variegateds' headquarters was inspired by the surrealist paintings of Giorgio de Chirico.

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