Desert Fury 🇺🇸 (Pouštní běsy)

Directed by Lewis Allen, Desert Fury is one of a handful of noirs from the 1940s that used the colorful palette of the Technicolor process (another example is the 1945 Leave Her to Heaven). Here, the unnaturally saturated colors create an ironic counterpoint to the characters’ actions and help to code the entire story as an example of the heightened camp aesthetic. The film is set in the state of Nevada, a state dominated by mountains and deserts. The vast expanses of sand and rocky peaks often contrast with the almost kitschily azure skies, creating a fitting setting for a story full of toxicity: protagonist Paula’s relationship with her mother is more reminiscent of a marriage to a dominant man, while feared gangster Eddie is unexpectedly close to sidekick Johnny. Leave good taste and the demand for believable character motivations at home, they would spoil the fun for you.

Milan Hain

The film is screened in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Prague.