Laura (1944)

The critic hails the film as Preminger’s slyly subversive noir masterpiece and first great work, one ripe for rediscovery on Blu-ray. It is praised for its riveting, erotic qualities and masterful handling of character and convention.

The critic calls it a taut romantic mystery that encapsulates film noir, with moody stark direction and matchless score. Gene Tierney, Vincent Price and especially Clifton Webb’s caustic performance are highlighted as key strengths.

The critic calls Otto Preminger’s film a superb and potent romantic thriller and a classic mystery. They single out the ravishing Gene Tierney, the cast including Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb, the Oscar-winning cinematography, twists, and haunting score as elements that fit together perfectly in this classic noir romance.

The critic praises the Blu-ray transfer of this noir classic and highlights Preminger's refinement and restraint in adapting the story of masculine fantasy and obsession around an enigmatic woman. The film is singled out for its beguiling score, casting, and exploration of patriarchal desires.

The piece hails Preminger's Laura as one of the finest and most immaculate examples of 1940s film noir, better even than Double Indemnity. It singles out the sumptuous plot, gorgeous lead performance and sublimely slimy villain for particular praise.

The critic calls Preminger's American breakthrough an immaculate film noir featuring exquisite Gene Tierney and a delicious switcheroo. They single out Clifton Webb's supercilious and creepy journalist as the star of the show.

The critic praises the 2012 re-release of Preminger's 1944 film as still gripping for lovers of 1940s Hollywood. They single out the superb halfway-point coup de cinéma as a highlight of this fascinating whodunnit-noir.

The critic recommends this stylish 1944 noir restoration for its vivid character portraits and gorgeous photography of the femme fatale. The gallery of personalities and Preminger’s direction are singled out as more compelling than the mystery itself.

The critic finds the film no more than an ordinary detective picture, with uninteresting background and characters, and clichéd dialogue. He notes Clifton Webb's performance as briefly stimulating but overall dismisses any claims of social satire.

The critic calls the film a masterful, one-of-a-kind noir that elevated its material into something ingenious and redefined the genre with its exploration of male obsession and projections. It singles out the striking visuals, indelible performances, iconic score, and biting commentary on human psychology for praise.

The critic calls it an elegantly stylish and suspenseful classic film noir that sustains its magnificence on repeated viewings and ranks as an effortless masterpiece. They single out the intelligent, unpredictable plot together with beautiful cinematography and an unforgettable score.