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The Lady from Shanghai
1947 87 min United States of America 18+
★7.6
Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Orson Welles
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Description
A romantic drifter gets caught between a corrupt tycoon and his voluptuous wife.
Budget:
$2.3M
Worldwide:
$1.56M
Starring
Rita Hayworth
Actor
Orson Welles
Actor
Everett Sloane
Actor
Awards
1 win total
Key opinion
Once a commercial failure, The Lady from Shanghai is now widely regarded as a canonical film noir. While opinions on the narrative clarity vary, the film is universally praised for its innovative visual style and iconic final sequence.
| Production | The climactic mirror-room sequence is a legendary achievement in cinematography and set design that remains culturally significant today. | |
| Acting | Rita Hayworth delivers a standout performance that effectively subverts her established screen persona, marking a pivotal moment in her career. | |
| Cinematography | The film utilizes sophisticated visual techniques and atmosphere to establish its noir identity, though some critics find these stylistic choices sometimes overshadow the substance. | |
| Screenplay | The plot is frequently described as overly complex or convoluted, leading to a divide between those who enjoy its feverish energy and those who find the storytelling incoherent. | |
| Acting | Orson Welles’s performance is contested; some view his portrayal as fittingly cynical, while others feel he lacks the charisma and mystery necessary for the lead role. |