The Public Eye

I just saw this film a few months ago in a state run "art" cinema in Bucharest, Romania. I had nothing better to do and I saw some decent reviews in IMDb so I decided to see this movie. Plus, I'm a big fan of director Carol Reed.

The print was quite poor but the acting, especially by Topol, who I loved in Fiddler on the Roof (one my favorite movies) was good. 70's London was well photographed and the music was perfect. The film was quite moderately funny as well. In the first scene where he introduced himself, I felt Topol was quite irritating. But as we slowly get to know the character and his free-spirited nature, he begins to become likable, especially when he starts leading Mia in the streets of London with funny 'edible' names which is a highlight of the movie. This film was supposed to launch Topol as a male romantic lead. Instead, it fizzled and he continued to sing "If I were a rich man..". I think there was something missing in the movie but I can't point out exactly what it was - its an eccentric, moody little film.

Wouldn't it be nice if Hollywood remade this instead of well established classics like Psycho and Italian Job. This film never made it to the big league. Most film buff's would never have heard of it and the premise is quite interesting. The idea deserves a second chance with a better known cast (and packaging) although the original music theme should remain.