Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) is a black detective from Philadelphia who, by various circumstances, ends up in a small bigoted town in Mississippi where he becomes involved in solving a recent murder. He and police chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger), who is racist, have an intense working relationship while trying to solve the case.
This superb film is intense all the way through. Its story has just the right amount of complexity while always being understandable. (If only modern mysteries could have followed this formula.)
The performances of Poitier and Steiger, individually and as an ensemble, contribute greatly to the film's success. Poitier's character has exceptional strength, intelligence, and sophistication yet he can distinguish when he can safely use his strength and when he must acquiesce such as an early scene at a train station. During this intense moment, the only weapon he has is a silent glare which he uses perfectly (if looks could kill). As the police chief, Steiger raises his tone when needed but also knows when he must surrender to the detective while still appearing to be in charge.
Another interesting moment is when Virgil is mocked for correctly using the word 'whom' in a sentence when most people would have (incorrectly) used the word 'who' instead. As an aside, it is pleasant and rare when someone speaks this well even if it is fiction.
Poitier and Steiger have an interesting scene before the fascinating climax where there is almost a bonding regarding the loneliness of their chosen professions. And their final scene, again at the train station, is filled with so many unspoken words that are restrained. A gesture regarding a suitcase speaks volumes especially considering the racist atmosphere that surrounds them.
The two leads are part of an exceptional cast that also includes Warren Oates, Lee Grant, Larry Gates, James Patterson, Quentin Dean, Anthony James, Scott Wilson, and Beah Richards among others. And director Norman Jewison more than ably creates an intense atmosphere that surrounds the thriller. Yet further praise must be given to Quincy Jones for his great score. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Norman Jewison
Screenplay by Sterling Silliphant (based on the novel by John Ball)
Acting Ensemble.
This superb film is intense all the way through. Its story has just the right amount of complexity while always being understandable. (If only modern mysteries could have followed this formula.)
The performances of Poitier and Steiger, individually and as an ensemble, contribute greatly to the film's success. Poitier's character has exceptional strength, intelligence, and sophistication yet he can distinguish when he can safely use his strength and when he must acquiesce such as an early scene at a train station. During this intense moment, the only weapon he has is a silent glare which he uses perfectly (if looks could kill). As the police chief, Steiger raises his tone when needed but also knows when he must surrender to the detective while still appearing to be in charge.
Another interesting moment is when Virgil is mocked for correctly using the word 'whom' in a sentence when most people would have (incorrectly) used the word 'who' instead. As an aside, it is pleasant and rare when someone speaks this well even if it is fiction.
Poitier and Steiger have an interesting scene before the fascinating climax where there is almost a bonding regarding the loneliness of their chosen professions. And their final scene, again at the train station, is filled with so many unspoken words that are restrained. A gesture regarding a suitcase speaks volumes especially considering the racist atmosphere that surrounds them.
The two leads are part of an exceptional cast that also includes Warren Oates, Lee Grant, Larry Gates, James Patterson, Quentin Dean, Anthony James, Scott Wilson, and Beah Richards among others. And director Norman Jewison more than ably creates an intense atmosphere that surrounds the thriller. Yet further praise must be given to Quincy Jones for his great score. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Norman Jewison
Screenplay by Sterling Silliphant (based on the novel by John Ball)
Acting Ensemble.