Orson Welles became one of the most influential filmmakers and actors in cinema history before his death in 1985. The 1958 crime thriller Touch of Evil became one of his most highly regarded works.
The movie was adapted from Whit Masterson’s 1956 novel, Badge of Evil. Welles took on several roles in the production. He wrote the screenplay, directed the film and starred as American police captain Hank Quinlan.
The story begins with a car bomb explosion near the U.S.-Mexico border that kills a businessman and his companion. Mexican narcotics agent Ramon Miguel “Mike” Vargas, portrayed by Charlton Heston, joins Quinlan in the investigation.
As Vargas notices irregularities in the probe, he suspects Quinlan of planting evidence to frame a Mexican suspect. He questions the captain’s methods, which sparks a conflict between the two men. The film explores police corruption, racial prejudice and the abuse of authority against the tense backdrop of a border town.
Welles earned praise for his distinctive camera work in Touch of Evil. One of the film’s most celebrated sequences comes at the beginning, when the camera follows a car carrying a bomb while introducing Vargas and his wife.
The shot continues as the car moves through the border town, building suspense until the bomb explodes. The American Film Institute (AFI) identified this sequence as an example of “Welles’ talent for unusual camera work.”
Orson Welles’ Film Flopped at the Box Office — Now It’s One of the ‘Best Movies of All Time’
But despite its innovative filmmaking, Touch of Evil failed at the U.S. box office when it was released in February 1958. American critics were divided, with some praising Welles’s visual approach while others criticized the story and unconventional direction.
The film received a warmer reception in Europe, where Welles accepted an award for best international film at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. However, the recognition did not lead to further directing work for Welles in Hollywood. He continued pursuing independent projects but never again directed a film for a major American studio.
Over time, the movie’s stature among critics and audiences has grown. Rotten Tomatoes ranked Touch of Evil No. 275 on its list of the 300 Best Movies of All Time.
It currently holds a 96% Tomatometer score, based on 85 reviews. Critics praised the film’s visual style and dark atmosphere.
“Artistically innovative and emotionally gripping, Orson Welles’ classic noir is a visual treat, as well as a dark, sinister thriller,” the site’s critics’ consensus stated.
The AFI later recognized Touch of Evil as one of Welles’ “most analyzed and highly praised films.” The award-winning actor-director helped create some of cinema’s most timeless classics, such as Citizen Kane, The Lady from Shanghai, Macbeth and Chimes at Midnight.
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