The Set-Up (1949) ***1/2 [Warner Archive Double Feature Pt. 2]
It’s funny—I’m not into sports (I’m especially not into boxing). And in general, I’m not into sports films. But I own and greatly enjoy three of the most well-known, highly regarded boxing films. The influence of Robert Wise's 1949 noir The Set-Up on Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980) (review) cannot be understated. But while the latter film is widely and rightfully regarded as a masterpiece, the former is not quite that (though it's still a really good film).
Part of the reason that I like The Set-Up as much as I do, despite the subject matter, is down to the film being as much about reaction shots of the audience as it is about the action in the ring. Faces and expressions play such an important role in this film, and that emphasis on the reactions (both humorous and excited) help to pull the viewer into the suspense.
I felt it the first time I watched this film—and I still feel on "Take 2"—that The Set-Up is a minor film, a bit light on character development, but the lean length (a mere 73 minutes) suits the story well enough. Audrey Totter has too little screen time but Robert Ryan strongly carries the film and the supporting players have brief but memorable roles.
You can find my Robert Wise Feature Films Ranked list here.
You can find my Film Noir Feature Films Ranked list here.
Part of the reason that I like The Set-Up as much as I do, despite the subject matter, is down to the film being as much about reaction shots of the audience as it is about the action in the ring. Faces and expressions play such an important role in this film, and that emphasis on the reactions (both humorous and excited) help to pull the viewer into the suspense.
I felt it the first time I watched this film—and I still feel on "Take 2"—that The Set-Up is a minor film, a bit light on character development, but the lean length (a mere 73 minutes) suits the story well enough. Audrey Totter has too little screen time but Robert Ryan strongly carries the film and the supporting players have brief but memorable roles.
You can find my Robert Wise Feature Films Ranked list here.
You can find my Film Noir Feature Films Ranked list here.
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