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Laura
1944 88 min United States of America 6+
★8.5
Drama, Mystery
Director: Otto Preminger, Rouben Mamoulian
📖 Based on the novel
«Laura»
byVera Caspary
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
A police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he's investigating.
Budget:
$1.02M
Worldwide:
$2M
Starring
Gene Tierney
Actor
Dana Andrews
Actor
Clifton Webb
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1945
— Best Cinematography (Black and White)
Academy Awards 1945
— Best Production Design (Black and White)
Academy Awards 1945
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 1945
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1945
— Best Director
Key opinion
Laura is widely regarded as a seminal, atmospheric noir classic that transformed the genre through its focus on obsession and its iconic narrative twist. While some modern viewers find its tone constrained by period conventions, most critics and audiences praise its sophisticated performances and lush visual style.
| Cinematography | The Academy Award-winning cinematography creates a lush, atmospheric aesthetic defined by striking lighting and elegant framing. | |
| Acting | Clifton Webb delivers a standout, witty performance that serves as a cornerstone of the film’s character-driven narrative. | |
| Direction | Otto Preminger’s direction effectively balances a complex, multi-layered mystery with an exploration of psychological obsession. | |
| Originality | The central plot twist—the subversion of the murdered woman trope—serves as an influential narrative template that has echoed through decades of cinema. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the film's genre identity are divided: some view it as a quintessential noir, while others argue the affluent setting and lack of traditional cynical archetypes distinguish it from darker street-level entries. | |
| Acting | Reactions to the characterization of Laura are split: some find her a compellingly non-traditional protagonist, while others argue the period-typical idealization renders her one-dimensional. |