Touch of Evil is an American drama of 1958 directed by Orson Welles. This movie, which is characterized as a crime thriller, successfully depicted the world of drug lords and corruption. It should be stressed that the impressive power of the movie is predominantly dependant on the strong and successful performance of its actors. Janet Leigh, who is considered to be an outstanding American actress of the 50s, perfectly played one of the leading roles in the movie, the role of Susan Vargas.
Janet Leigh was a charming and beautiful woman, whose roles always got successful in American cinematography. The movie Touch of Evil depicts Janet Leigh as a sexy and charming bride of Charlton Heston, whose portrayal is switched from beauty to fright. It should be noted that some critics characterized the play of the actress as bizarre and unorthodox. Leigh is depicted in different states throughout the film; she managed to demonstrate a perfect play of being victimized, as for example, in the scene taking place in a motel with a creepy night man.
The movie Touch of Evil gave an opportunity to the audience to witness the American Girl’s downfall through the evolution experienced by Leigh moving from ingénue to star. One cannot but stress that the success of Leigh’s play in the movie was supported by her goddess-like beauty, which is brightly illustrated at the beginning of the film and is dissolved at the end of it.
There is a need to pay attention to the actress’ successful performance due to the depiction of a challenging personality role. We have an opportunity to investigate the gradation of personality played by Janet Leigh. According to the movie, Susan Vegas appears on the screen as a confident and courageous woman who is always self-reliant and strong in her ideas and actions. Nevertheless, the play of actress Janet Leigh managed to underline the process of personality gradation whose strength of mind turns into a drugged, molested and stripped bare atmosphere involving the woman.
It is necessary to underline the fact that professionalism of Janet Leigh as an actress contributed to movie success and impressiveness. The actress stressed, that starring in this movie was one of the most unexpected and memorable events in her life, though she managed to cope with this task on a high level. The basic characteristic, helping the actress to play successfully, was her strong character suiting the image of Susan Vargas, and charming look which added some mysterious image to the woman.
The movie the Touch of Evil was regarded to be a cult classic touching the hearts of million Americans. People like dramas and crucial endings, where they can suffer together with the heroes; the evolution and downfall of Susan Vargas, professionally starred by Janet Leigh, helped the viewers get deep understanding of feelings and mistakes leading to such a falling destiny. The director of the movie stressed that they have some difficulties with Leigh’s strong and obstinate character during the movie creation. Nevertheless, the greatest part of movie status as a classic treasure on the international level is built due to the actress’ talented and professional play. It is necessary to underline the fact that Touch of Evil really worth seeing due to its perfect depiction of main frights and values of previous century.