Touch of Evil (1958) w/ Ryan Luis Rodriguez

“He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?” – Touch of Evil (1958)

This week, we’re crossing into the shadowy borderlands of noir with special guest Ryan Luis Rodriguez to unpack Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil. From its legendary opening tracking shot to Welles’ haunting turn as the corrupt Hank Quinlan, the film stands as a dark, complex swan song to the classic noir era.

Together, we explore the film’s bold visual language, its controversial casting choices, and the fascinating story behind the restored cut that finally honored Welles’ original vision. Touch of Evil isn’t just a masterwork of style—it’s a film that continues to challenge how we think about authority, morality, and the boundaries we draw.

 

Episode Notes:

Touch of Evil (1958) was directed by Orson Welles and stars Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Welles himself

Selected to the National Film Registry in 1993

Famous for:

• A 3+ minute opening tracking shot widely regarded as one of the best in cinema
• Welles’ portrayal of the morally bankrupt Captain Hank Quinlan
• A studio-meddled post-production process that was later corrected by a 1998 restoration using Welles’ notes

Discussion topics include:

• The film’s place at the end of the classic noir era
• Innovations in camera movement, sound design, and lighting
• How Touch of Evil navigates race, identity, and law enforcement on the U.S.–Mexico border
• The legacy of the restored version and its impact on Welles’ reputation

Featuring special guest:

• Ryan Luis Rodriguez, film podcaster and host of The Coolness Chronicles and Reels of Justice

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Music by Mike Natale