6. D.O.A
D.O.A begins with two impressive tracking shots, following an unnamed man from behind as he walks in and through a police station. We soon learn the man is named Frank Bigelow (Edmond OBrien), and thats he here to report a murder...his own. In flashback, we learn Bigelow is an accountant, who, while on vacation was poisoned with a lethal dose of luminous toxin- and he only has a short time to live. With nothing to lose, Bigelow seeks out the person who essentially murdered him, and the reason why he was poisoned. Fatalism, heroes doomed from the start, is a recurring world view and theme in film noir- and it doesnt get more fatalistic than D.O.As premise, a man whose body is a ticking time bomb, and whose search for answers and revenge is a catharsis for a life cut short. Bigelows investigation leads him through a mystery that involves stolen iridium and a bill of sale Bigelow notarised, but as with many film noirs, understanding the mechanics of the plot isnt what really matters- noirs are more about behaviour, atmosphere, and dialogue. In terms of behaviour, I feel this film is ultimately an exploration of what kind of person a man becomes when nothing to lose Its fascinating to see Bigelow evolve from a mild mannered accountant to an aggressive, almost archetypal film noir detective. In another film would be a bizarre character arc, but the idea of Bigelow attempting to solve his own murder allows this evolution to make sense. This concept of a man investigating his own murder, even today, is still a novel twist on the mystery genre, and it makes the search for answers all the more involving. We really sympathize with Bigelow- the scenes where he discovers he will die- he goes for a second opinion after refusing to believe his initial diagnosis- perfectly capture the dread of the situation. And Bigelows relationship with his secretary and girlfriend, Paula (Pamela Britton), his realization that he didnt really appreciate her when it really mattered, adds an even more tragic poignancy to the story. But while the story is quite grim, D.O.A is nevertheless a very entertaining and exciting thriller.