The Third Man is a quality piece of work. The scenery features both lavish city buildings and postwar rubble, creating an interesting contrast between the wealth of the past versus the present. The editing is quick, and the view often switches from character to character as they talk, resembling the style of a typical 1940s drama. The cinematography easily creates dramatic atmospheres such as the height of the Ferris wheel scene, the tall-shadowed and echoey sewer chase, and the time loop-like effect of visiting Harry’s grave. And the soundtrack of zither music is ideal for the movie, creating a more intimate atmosphere than the cheesy string orchestra often used in these kinds of movies. Given the depressing postwar setting, it could even be considered comical.

Postwar Vienna is depicted in The Third Man as a city divided among countries and ideological lines, but as the plot progresses the lines between who is right and who is wrong start to blur. Beginning with the shocking death of Harry Lime, the protagonist Holly sets off to uncover the truth of his longtime friend’s sudden demise. Along the way he meets several characters connected to Harry in various ways, each with their own feelings about Harry that leave them conflicted at times.

Initially Holly is relentless in his search for the story of Harry’s death, talking to everyone he can and disregarding the risks to others of bringing their often-illegal habits into the light. But as he digs deeper the consequences of his actions begin to stack up: Anna is exposed as an illegal citizen, the evasive Porter is found dead in his home, and most importantly, he learns that Harry is still alive. Meeting Harry at the Ferris wheel begins to make Holly regret his actions, and although he initially sympathizes with Harry, a walk through a hospital full of children affected by Harry’s black-market dealings changes his mind. Nearly every scene in the movie prompts the viewer to question what the characters do, up to the very end where a dramatic sewer chase leads Holly to kill his friend. Did Holly do the right thing? Were Harry’s actions justified? The movie provides no answer, only an image of a city restrained by occupation and financial hardship alike.