Sam Fuller

Samuel Fuller was the epitome of audacity, chutzpah, impudence, intelligence, and absurdly sentimental (though you might not be able to tell from the clip above). His protagonists were men and women who were able to embody all that was coined deviant during the mid-twentieth century. He fulfilled my noir expectations providing the audience with hookers, con men, pickpockets, communists, drug dealers, nymphomanics. Yet despite their questionable moral foundations, his characters are given (or make)opportunities to display virtue. By the end of picture they are redeemed.
His camera, his editing, his story progression, his actors...through many of the pictures seem raw. Sometimes the continuity is compromised by lighting, or the characters almost inexplicable break out into song. Despite this there is something, compelling to me about them. I love them for their flaws. Sam Fuller is prove positive that great storytelling and sincerity are more valuable than seamless cinematography and hollywood budgets. As a storyteller, Sam Fuller takes the risk whenever possible and never asks for forgiveness. He owns every frame with an petulance and rebellion that is truly appealing, truly "American". The phrase "Judge not lest you be judged" comes to my mind. His characters don't always know the difference between right and wrong. But, they know Evil when they encounter it. His stories are about people who belong to the lowest common denominator, damaged goods yet are still touched faintly by dignity, hope, and redemption.