Odds Against Tomorrow

Odds Against Tomorrow is a 1959 American heist film directed by Robert Wise and starring Harry Belafonte, Robert Ryan, Ed Begley, and Shelley Winters. The film is based on the 1958 novel of the same name by William P. McGivern, which was inspired by the works of Dashiell Hammett and Ernest Hemingway. The movie features a score by John Lewis, a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, and cinematography by Joseph C. Brun, who worked on films like The Seven Year Itch and The Man with the Golden Arm. The film's production company, HarBel Productions, was co-founded by Harry Belafonte and Julie Belafonte.

● Introduction

The film Odds Against Tomorrow was released in 1959, a time when the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, with key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X playing important roles. The movie's themes of racism and social inequality were influenced by the works of authors like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright. The film's director, Robert Wise, was known for his work on films like West Side Story and The Sound of Music, which were produced by United Artists and 20th Century Studios. The movie's score, composed by John Lewis, was influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis.

● Plot

The plot of Odds Against Tomorrow revolves around a bank heist planned by Ed Begley's character, which goes awry due to the racial tensions between the characters played by Harry Belafonte and Robert Ryan. The film's narrative is influenced by the works of Film noir directors like Billy Wilder, Fritz Lang, and Orson Welles, who were known for their dark and gritty storytelling style. The movie's themes of racism and social inequality are also reflected in the works of authors like James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The film's climax features a dramatic confrontation between the characters, which is reminiscent of the works of Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone.

● Production

The production of Odds Against Tomorrow was marked by the collaboration between Robert Wise and Harry Belafonte, who co-founded the production company HarBel Productions. The film's screenplay was written by Nelson Gidding and William P. McGivern, who were influenced by the works of Dashiell Hammett and Ernest Hemingway. The movie's cinematography was handled by Joseph C. Brun, who worked on films like The Seven Year Itch and The Man with the Golden Arm. The film's score, composed by John Lewis, was influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis. The movie was released by United Artists, which was also responsible for releasing films like Some Like It Hot and The Apartment.

● Cast

The cast of Odds Against Tomorrow includes Harry Belafonte, Robert Ryan, Ed Begley, and Shelley Winters, who were all known for their work in films like Carmen Jones, On the Waterfront, and A Place in the Sun. The film's cast also features Gloria Grahame, who was known for her work in films like The Bad and the Beautiful and Oklahoma!. The movie's cast was influenced by the works of Method acting pioneers like Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, and Marlon Brando. The film's cast was also influenced by the works of The Actors Studio, which was co-founded by Elia Kazan and Lee Strasberg.

● Reception

The reception of Odds Against Tomorrow was marked by critical acclaim, with many praising the film's themes of racism and social inequality. The movie was influenced by the works of French New Wave directors like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, who were known for their innovative storytelling style. The film's score, composed by John Lewis, was also praised by critics, who noted its influence on the works of Jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Bill Evans. The movie was released during a time of great social change, with the Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum, and the film's themes were seen as a reflection of the times. The film's reception was also influenced by the works of Film critics like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris, who were known for their insightful reviews.

● Themes

The themes of Odds Against Tomorrow are centered around racism and social inequality, which were prevalent during the 1950s. The film's themes were influenced by the works of authors like James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, and Gwendolyn Brooks, who were known for their powerful writings on social justice. The movie's themes are also reflected in the works of Blaxploitation films like Shaft and Super Fly, which were released in the 1970s. The film's themes of racism and social inequality are also reminiscent of the works of Spike Lee, who directed films like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X. The movie's themes are a powerful commentary on the social issues of the time, and continue to be relevant today, with the works of Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler reflecting similar themes.

Category:1959 films