A Double Bill of Dread: Wages of Fear and Diabolique

Henri-Georges Clouzot, a master of suspense and psychological tension, directed two of the most gripping films in cinematic history: The Wages of Fear (1953) and Diabolique (1955). Both films are renowned for their chilling atmosphere, masterful storytelling, and shocking twists. But would they make a good double bill? Let's delve into the details and explore the potential of this pairing.

Wages of Fear: A High-Stakes Gamble with Death

The Wages of Fear, adapted from a 1950 French novel by Georges Arnaud ¹, is a thrilling adventure drama set in a desolate South American village. Impoverished European immigrants, including Mario, Jo, Bimba, and Luigi ², find themselves trapped in this forgotten corner of the world, desperate to escape their dead-end existence. When an American oil company offers a dangerous job—transporting highly volatile nitroglycerin across treacherous mountain roads to extinguish an oil well fire—these four men accept the challenge, risking their lives for a chance at freedom and a hefty payday².

Clouzot masterfully builds suspense, transforming ordinary obstacles like sharp turns, rickety bridges, and rugged terrain into heart-stopping set pieces². The ever-present threat of the nitroglycerin exploding creates an atmosphere of near-constant dread, amplified by meticulous sound design and stark cinematography². The film is not just a thriller; it's a searing critique of exploitation and capitalism, highlighting the desperation of the men and their expendability in the eyes of the oil company, particularly in its depiction of how American corporations exploit workers in Latin America².

The suspense in The Wages of Fear is unique in that it doesn't stem from a traditional antagonist but from the inherent danger of the situation itself¹. The men are constantly on edge, knowing that the slightest bump or jolt could result in their demise². This creates a palpable sense of tension that permeates every scene, amplified by the characters' internal struggles with fear and their own mortality.

Adding to the challenges, the drivers must navigate a stretch of extremely rough road called "the washboard," a construction barricade that forces them to teeter around a rotten platform above a precipice, and a boulder blocking the road¹. Each obstacle pushes them closer to their breaking point, both physically and mentally.

Interestingly, The Wages of Fear initially received a negative reception in the US due to its anti-American themes³. This adds another layer to the film's historical context and critical reception, highlighting the complexities of its political and social commentary.

For those interested in exploring different interpretations of the same story, William Friedkin's Sorcerer (1977) offers a compelling remake of The Wages of Fear². Comparing and contrasting these two versions could be an interesting point of discussion for film enthusiasts.

Diabolique: A Descent into Terror

Diabolique ⁵ is a psychological horror thriller that revolves around a cruel headmaster of a boys' boarding school, Michel Delasalle, his fragile wife Christina, and his domineering mistress Nicole⁶. Michel is not only verbally abusive but also physically violent, beating Nicole and mocking Christina about her heart condition⁵. Fed up with his abuse, the two women plot to murder him, seemingly succeeding in their plan. However, when Michel's body disappears, a series of eerie events unfolds, leading to a shocking climax⁷.

Clouzot creates an atmosphere of chilling suspense, playing with the audience's expectations and delivering unexpected twists⁶. The film is a masterclass in psychological manipulation, exploring themes of revenge, guilt, and the dark side of human nature⁸.

Diabolique is considered a landmark horror film due to its unprecedented narrative twists and terrifying images⁶. It's a film that gets under your skin, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease long after the credits roll. Interestingly, the end credits contain an "anti-spoiler message," urging viewers to keep the film's secrets to themselves⁵. This adds to the film's mystique and its enduring power to shock and surprise.

It's worth noting that British critics initially gave Diabolique negative reviews, citing its "calculated malevolence" and "a vogue... for the horrid in films." ⁵ This initial reaction speaks to the film's unsettling nature and its willingness to delve into the darkest corners of human behavior.

Diabolique has had a significant influence on the horror genre, with its shocking twists and turns inspiring filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock⁹. In fact, Diabolique is often cited as a direct influence on Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), particularly in its use of suspense and its iconic twist ending. The film's legacy continues to this day, with a 1996 remake and other adaptations further solidifying its place in cinematic history⁵.

Clouzot's Legacy of Suspense

Both The Wages of Fear and Diabolique were critically acclaimed upon their release. The Wages of Fear won both the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, with critics praising its suspenseful sequences, existential themes, and powerful performances¹. Diabolique is considered a highly influential horror thriller, lauded for its suspenseful plot, atmospheric cinematography, and shocking twist ending⁵.

The two films, while distinct in their genre and narrative approach, share a common thread in their exploration of human nature under duress. The Wages of Fear delves into the desperation and fragility of men driven to extremes by their circumstances². Diabolique exposes the darkness lurking beneath seemingly ordinary individuals, driven by revenge and a desire for control⁷. This shared thematic core, combined with Clouzot's masterful use of suspense and his bleak, unflinching portrayal of human behavior, solidifies his legacy as a master of psychological tension and cinematic dread.

Double Bill Precedents

Pairing The Wages of Fear and Diabolique creates a double bill that offers a potent cocktail of suspense, psychological tension, and shocking twists. Both films are masterfully crafted by Clouzot, showcasing his ability to create chilling atmospheres and explore the darker aspects of human nature.

The idea of pairing The Wages of Fear and Diabolique for a double feature is not entirely new. One film enthusiast shared their positive experience of watching both films, describing Diabolique as a "masterful blend of horror and suspense." ¹⁷ This personal anecdote suggests that the two films can complement each other, offering a diverse yet cohesive viewing experience.

Furthermore, Clouzot himself was considered a rival to Alfred Hitchcock, another master of suspense¹¹. Both directors were known for their ability to create thrilling and psychologically complex films that pushed the boundaries of genre conventions. Pairing these two Clouzot films together allows viewers to delve deeper into the director's unique style and his exploration of human nature under duress.

Shared Themes

• Mortality and Fear: Both films confront characters and viewers with the fragility of life. In The Wages of Fear, the ever-present threat of the nitroglycerin exploding keeps the men in a constant state of fear, forcing them to confront their own mortality with every turn in the road ¹¹. Diabolique explores the fear of death through the lens of murder and the haunting presence of the deceased, creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense and paranoia ¹⁰.

• Desperation and the Human Condition: Both films depict characters driven to desperate acts by their circumstances. In The Wages of Fear, the impoverished immigrants are willing to risk their lives for a chance at escaping their dead-end existence ¹². In Diabolique, the abused women resort to murder as a means of escaping their tormentor ¹⁰. Both films offer a bleak view of human nature, highlighting the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits.

• Exploitation and Power Dynamics: Both films touch upon themes of exploitation and power imbalances. The Wages of Fear critiques corporate greed and the exploitation of workers, particularly in the context of American corporations operating in Latin America ³. Diabolique explores the power dynamics within a relationship, showcasing the abuse inflicted by a domineering figure and the desperate measures taken by those subjected to it ¹⁴.

Juxtapositions

• External vs. Internal Threats: The Wages of Fear primarily deals with external threats, where the danger comes from the volatile cargo and the treacherous environment ¹¹. Diabolique, on the other hand, focuses on internal threats, stemming from the characters' own actions and the psychological consequences of their choices ¹⁴. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic shift in the nature of suspense, moving from the visceral fear of immediate danger to the chilling dread of psychological manipulation and uncertainty.

• Masculinity vs. Femininity: The Wages of Fear centers on a group of men grappling with fear and their own mortality in a hyper-masculine setting ¹⁵. Diabolique features female protagonists who take control of their fate, albeit through morally ambiguous actions, in a story that explores themes of female agency and revenge ¹⁴. This contrast offers an interesting exploration of gender roles and the different ways in which men and women confront fear and adversity.

• Physical vs. Psychological Suspense: The Wages of Fear relies heavily on physical suspense, with thrilling action sequences and the constant threat of explosions ¹¹. Diabolique leans more towards psychological suspense, building tension through atmosphere, suggestion, and unexpected twists ¹⁶. This shift in the type of suspense keeps the audience engaged and on edge throughout the double bill.

Conclusion: A Double Dose of Clouzot's Brilliance

Screening The Wages of Fear and Diabolique as a double bill offers a unique opportunity to experience the full range of Clouzot's mastery. The films complement each other thematically and stylistically, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The shared themes of suspense, mortality, and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of human nature create a powerful resonance, making this double bill a truly rewarding experience for film enthusiasts³.

Beyond the immediate thrill of the suspense and the shock of the twists, this double bill invites a deeper reflection on the human condition. Clouzot's films, with their unflinching portrayal of desperation, fear, and the consequences of our choices, resonate with a timeless quality. In a world grappling with uncertainty and social unrest, these films offer a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present potential for darkness within ourselves and those around us. This double feature is not just a cinematic experience; it's a journey into the depths of human nature, a confrontation with our own fears and anxieties, and a testament to the enduring power of Clouzot's cinematic vision.

Works cited

1. The Wages of Fear - Wikipedia, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wages_of_Fear

2. Tension on Every Mile: Review of The Wages of Fear (1953) - Roses Have Thoughts, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://roseshavethoughts.com/2024/12/06/tension-on-every-mile-review-of-the-wages-of-fear-1953/

3. The Wages of Fear | Current - The Criterion Collection, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/943-the-wages-of-fear

4. roseshavethoughts.com, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://roseshavethoughts.com/2024/12/06/tension-on-every-mile-review-of-the-wages-of-fear-1953/#:~:text=The%20oil%20company's%20disregard%20for,is%20its%20almost%20merciless%20bleakness.

5. Les Diaboliques (film) - Wikipedia, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diaboliques_(film)

6. Diabolique (1955) - The Criterion Collection, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.criterion.com/films/575-diabolique

7. Les Diaboliques - Senses of Cinema, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2011/cteq/les-diaboliques/

8. www.criterion.com, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.criterion.com/films/575-diabolique#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20few%20contemporaries,murder%2C%20immorality%2C%20and%20revenge.

9. Before 'Psycho,' This Is The Twisty Horror Thriller Hitchcock Wanted to Make - Collider, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://collider.com/diabolique-movie/

10. Diabolique | The Definitives - Deep Focus Review, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.deepfocusreview.com/definitives/diabolique/

11. Double Features: The Wages of Fear (1953) and Sorcerer (1977) - The Avocado, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://the-avocado.org/2018/01/13/double-features-the-wages-of-fear-1953-and-sorcerer-1977/

12. Adaptations Part 4: The Wages of Fear – Clouzot's Explosive Drama and Friedkin's Thrilling Sorcery - Momentary Cinema, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://momentarycinema.com/2018/07/01/adaptations-part-4-the-wages-of-fear-clouzots-explosive-drama-and-friedkins-thrilling-sorcery/

13. The Criterion Contraption: #36: Wages of Fear, accessed on January 31, 2025, http://criterioncollection.blogspot.com/2005/08/36-wages-of-fear.html

14. Diabolique (1954) - #35 - Criterion Reflections, accessed on January 31, 2025, http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2010/03/diabolique-1954-35.html

15. The Wages of Fear - Senses of Cinema, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2011/cteq/the-wages-of-fear/

16. Wages of Fear | Reelviews Movie Reviews, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/wages-of-fear

17. The Wages of Fear (1953) - IMDb, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/

18. The Wages of Fear: No Exit | Current - The Criterion Collection, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/392-the-wages-of-fear-no-exit

19. The Criterion Contraption: #35: Diabolique, accessed on January 31, 2025, http://criterioncollection.blogspot.com/2005/08/35-diabolique.html

20. The Wages of Fear (The Criterion Collection) (1953) [DVD] - Amazon.com, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Wages-Fear-Criterion-Collection/dp/B000AQKUH2

21. The Wages of Fear (Dual Format Edition) - BFI Shop, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://shop.bfi.org.uk/the-wages-of-fear-dual-format-edition.html

22. criterionforum.org, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://criterionforum.org/Video/diabolique-the-criterion-collection-dvd#:~:text=Diabolique%20is%20presented%20in%20its,made%20from%20a%20restored%20negative.

23. Amazon.com: Diabolique (The Criterion Collection) [DVD], accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Diabolique-Criterion-Collection-Simone-Signoret/dp/0780021940

24. The Wages of Fear (1953) - Technical specifications - IMDb, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/technical/

25. Diabolique - Blu-ray News and Reviews | High Def Digest, accessed on January 31, 2025, https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/4724/diabolique.html

Initial prompt with Google Gemini Advanced

Prompt: "Thinking of screening Wages of fear and Diabolique as a double bill."

Model: 1.5 Pro with Deep Research