Patterns (1956)

Review Patterns

I reserve the right to break your jaw. Patterns centres around the fierce and dog eat dog world of an executive conglomerate company. Written by Rod Serling (he of The Twilight Zone fame) and based on his own play, its a stunning picture that relies (and succeeds) on spiky dialogue and a trio of superlative acting performances. Not containing any music at all and filmed primarily within the confines of an interior setting, Serling and his on form director, Fielder Cook, have crafted probably the essential picture dealing with the harsh and at times brutal realities of big business ladder climbing. Everett Sloane, Ed Begley and Van Heflin really provide the viewers with an acting tour de force. Sloane as the big boss Walter Ramsey, creates a strutting despotic character that is as memorable as it is harsh, heres a man who will not pattern a sacking of an employee, he would rather break him into resignation!, a totally vile and cruel pattern tactic. Begley (superbly playing weary emotion) plays the genial and honest William Briggs, who upon welcoming Van Heflins Fred Staples to the company, realises its likely to be at his own cost. This giving the film a deep emotional pattern as Staples (Heflin to me, donning a career high) gets conflicted about his role in this company, this leads us to a truly excellent finale as Heflin and Sloane go at each other with a gripping intensity that many modern actors could do no worse than to take note of, it really is something to behold. A fabulous movie that comes highly recommended to anyone who appreciates dialogue driven films with intelligence pouring from every frame. 9/10

Review by John Chard

Review Patterns

When Staples (Van Heflin) arrives at the Ramsey building to take up his new executive job, he meets his boss Briggs (Ed Begley) then the guy with his name on the door (Everett Sloane), and is welcomed with open arms. Pretty quickly, though, he realises that Briggs - who has recently return from illness is in the firing line - and that he is to be the principal weapon used to replace him. The problem here is though Staples is fiercely ambitious, and his wife Nancy (Beatrice Straight) isnt so very far behind on that front, he actually quite likes Briggs and his more human approach to doing business. Indeed, when that mans secretary is arbitrarily attached to the newcomer, it would appear that the writing is on the wall so just how complicit will his scruples allow him to be? I found this to be one of Heflins better parts, and he portrays his conflicted character really quite effectively. Begley is also on good form as a man maybe just a little past his use-by date and Sloane epitomises the family business obsessed mogul who cares only about power - and for its own sake. What choices can Staples make? What choices does he want to make? This is a quickly paced look at humanity - warts and all, and for double the salary and an unlimited expense account, what might any of us do?

Review by CinemaSerf