A Marxist interpretation of a film typically involves analyzing its depiction of social classes, economic systems, and power structures. "The Third Man" is a British film noir from 1949, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. While the film may not overtly address themes of Marxism, one can apply a Marxist lens to it.
Capitalism and its discontents: In the devastated, post-WWII Vienna where the film is set, we see a stark divide between those with wealth and power and those without. Harry Lime, played by Orson Welles, exploits this situation through his black market dealings. This could be seen as a critique of unregulated capitalism, where profit can come at the expense of human life.
Exploitation: Lime's dilution of penicillin for profit at the cost of sick and injured people could be viewed as a metaphor for the exploitation of the working class. Lime capitalizes on people's misery to make a profit, a key critique in Marxist theory about capitalist societies.
Alienation: The protagonist, Holly Martins, is an outsider navigating an unfamiliar world, which can reflect the Marxist concept of alienation. Holly experiences estrangement not just from the foreign city but also from his old friend, Lime, whose actions he can't condone.
Class struggle: The conflict between the law enforcement (representing state power and upper class) and the black marketeers (representing the rebellious lower class) could be interpreted through a Marxist lens as class struggle.
Remember that interpretations can vary widely, and the themes and elements that resonate with one viewer might not with another. While "The Third Man" wasn't designed as a Marxist film, applying a Marxist analysis can provide new insights into its story and characters.
