THE QUIET AMERICAN

US, 1958, 116 minutes, Black and white.
Audie Murphy, Michael Redgrave, Claude Dauphin, Georgia Moll, Bruce Cabot, Kerima.
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

The Quiet American is based on the novel by Graham Greene. It appeared in the early 50s, focusing on the European presence in Indo-China?, especially that of the French and the battles in Vietnam during the early 1950s which culminated in the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu. Graham Greene was a world correspondent, a great traveller as well as a novelist. In his novel, at the height of the Cold War and critique of the communist system, Greene offered an insight into the presence of the French in Vietnam and of the looming American presence. Within ten years of the publication of the novel and five years of the release of the film, the Americans would become entangled in a Vietnam war.

The Quiet American focuses on an enigmatic young man who seems to be present in Vietnam for compassionate aid. Instead, he is an operative of the CIA and instrumental in setting up political tensions and a rival third force to combat both the communists and the local regime.

Michael Redgrave brings great dignity to his role as the English journalist in Vietnam, although he seems too refined for the performance. Audie Murphy, on the other hand, is perfectly cast as the quiet American. With knowledge of his war record, the most honoured soldier in World War II and author of his memoir and film, To Hell and Back, even in the late 50s Murphy seemed particularly baby-faced, defying belief that he was such a skilled soldier. This gives credibility to his undercover CIA role.

The film was written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, celebrated director of such films as A Letter to Three Wives, All About Eve, Julius Caesar, Guys and Dolls, The Honey Pot, Sleuth. He was also the writer director of the ill-fated Cleopatra.

In 2002, Philip Noyce's remake of the film was released. Michael Caine was excellent as the journalist, much more credible than Michael Redgrave. Brendan Fraser, with his history of comic roles, is also effective as the quiet American. The film was anti-American in tone, released just before the Iraq war. Michael Caine was nominated for an Oscar. The film also took on the story of Vietnam into the 60s with the central character becoming a war correspondent, reporting the American war.

The film is interesting in itself, a version of Graham Greene, an insight into the perspective of the 50s, and an interesting comparison with the remake.

1. An interesting film? In its time? Its perspective on Vietnam? As seen in the light of the history of the latter part of the 20th century? (In comparison with the 2002 remake and its perspective in hindsight?)

2. The work of Graham Greene, his observations on countries, politics, intrigue? His skill at dramatic confrontations, mystery, politics?

3. The black and white photography, the atmosphere of Vietnam, Saigon, authenticity? The musical score?

4. A film of the late 50s, the political situation in the 50s, the Cold War, European presence in Indo- China, the conflict with the French in Vietnam? The collapse of Dien Bien Phu in 1954? Power struggles, the elected government, the communist uprisings in the north, the politics of the third force and the ideas of the CIA, later adopted by the American government?

5. The Americans, their interest in Indo- China, their neo-colonial attitudes and power, wanting to save the world, believing in their destiny, intervening in Vietnam? Graham Greene and the film as prophetic of the 60s and 70s?

6. The presence of the British, the journalists, their observing, reporting?

7. The French administration, the police, the investigation of terrorism, of the actions of the American? His death?

8. The visualising of the communists, their plots, manoeuvres? The stance of the film as pro or anti-American?

9. The impact of ideas, Fowler and his discussion with the American? The American and the books? The contrast between theory and reality?

10. The flashback nature of the film, the information about the American's death, in the river, Thomas Fowler and his involvement, the questions of the police chief, the investigation of the body? The new year, Tom and Phuong and her grief at the American's death?

11. The portrait of the American, his arrival, dapper appearance, coat and tie, his book and the third force, humanitarian aid? His admiration for Fowler, going out with him, the dance hall, meeting Phuong, attracted, explaining it to Tom, courting her? Her sister's caution? His going up-country, meeting Tom, helping him, the trip, the tower, the attack, helping him escape? His later appearance in Saigon, his knowledge of the Vietnamese, Fowler seeing that there was something more beneath the surface? His being linked with the toxins and chemicals? His being perceived as a danger, the communist forces, the plot against him, setting him up, his going to his death, the brutality of his death?

12. The character of Tom Fowler, his background, his wife left in London, his relationship with Phuong? An easy life, his dislike of London, his finding life easy in Vietnam? The meeting with the American, being flattered by him? Taking him to the club, finding a rival for Phuong? Phuong and her decision to go with the American? Its effect on him, writing to his wife, the issues of divorce, lying to Phuong and her sister? Her sister's protectiveness? His decision to do an article, going up-country, interviews and observations, the siege, the American coming to his help? The further investigations, the chemicals, the information from the communists, the pressure on him to betray the American? The set-up, the issue of the book, the discussion, the signal, allowing the American to go to his death? His interaction with the police, nothing being able to be laid at his door? The rendezvous, the discussion, the ending?

13. Phuong, her background, her sister, in the clubs, the dancers, prostitution, survival? Her relationship with Fowler and love for him? Attracted to the American, going with him? Her grief at his death?

14. The human face of Vietnam at this time, the French in Indo- China, the colonial power, the Vietnamese and their reaction against the colonial masters, the terrorism, the brutality in the streets, the war, the emerging generals, the build-up to the defeat of the French? The entanglement of the Americans?