In the Heat of the Night

Rating: 4/5

In the Heat of the Night is a profoundly important movie, for reasons that shouldn't really have to be outlined, but I'll do it anyways. Prior to this, the concept of diversity in Best Picture Winning films was either non existent or done with extreme racial stereotypes. None of that can be said to be true for In the Heat of the Night.

From In the Heat of the Night on, it was clear that the scope of cinema was heading towards a major change. Previous to this, Best Picture winning movies had been relatively safe. As film neared the '70s, the stories became more daring, thought provoking, and significant. This isn't to say that the Best Picture Winning movies prior to this time were bad, in fact the '40s was one of my favorite decades of Best Picture winners, and there were certainly many groundbreaking films before this, but there's no denying the transition that can be so clearly discerned in the style of filmmaking from this point forward.

Sidney Poitier is outstanding in this and he absolutely carries the film. When he has control of the scene, it's impossible to look away from his captivating performance. With that being said, I still found myself not completely loving this movie as much as I had expected to. I without question appreciated it, but it has a certain style to it that I've never really cared for, and that is of the bizarre edits and cuts that one can also find in a typical 1970s cop show. Weird and aggressive zooms, quick shifts in tone, and other over the top elements. Obviously this movie reflects its time period, so I'm not faulting it for those stylistic choices, it's just never been a favorite of mine.

I will be watching this again and perhaps a second viewing will give me even more appreciation for it. I liked it a lot the first time around, so I would hazard a guess that I'll enjoy it even more the next time.

1968 Best Picture Winner - In the Heat of the Night

1968 Best Actor in a Leading Role Winner - Rod Steiger

1968 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium Winner - Stirling Silliphant

1968 Best Sound Winner - Samuel Goldwyn Sound Department

1968 Best Film Editing Winner - Hal Ashby