Wages of Fear (1953)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  131 Minutes (Directors Cut: 148 Minutes) (France Cut: 156 Minutes)

Rated: A  

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Starring: Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, Folco Lulli, Véra Clouzot, William Tubbs, Dario Moreno

IMDB Rank: 8.2/10

Part 1 Time:  N/A Minutes  (Directors Cut: 84 Minutes) (France Cut: N/A Minutes)

Part 2 Time:   N/A Minutes (Directors Cut: 64 Minutes) (France Cut: N/A Minutes)

The Criterion DVD 2nd half begins at chapter 14, approximately 30 seconds into the start of the scene.

Where does the first part end? Both trucks have successfully crossed a stretch of extremely rough road called ‘the washboard’

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “That’s it Jo, we made it.” Mario (Yves Montand) states to Jo (Chales Vanel) following their close call with Bimba (Peter van Eyck) and Luigi’s (Folco Lulli) truck.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Looks bad,” Bimba states as they approach a construction barricade.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the two trucks both carrying nitroglycerine have successfully overcame the first obstacle in the journey, but still have hundreds of kilometres to go until they reach the SOC oil fields. Will both trucks safely make the journey to the oil fields.

Which part is better? Part two is significantly better as both trucks make the dangerous journey toward the oil fields. The journey is extremely stressful, providing many edge of your seat moments.

Academy Awards: None

Other Awards: 1955- Winner BAFTA Best FIlm form any Source; 1953- Winner Cannes Film Festival