No Way Out is an unfortunately familiar tale of racism. In this case it's all about a hospital that is progressive for its time because they trained and employed a black doctor. But as one might expect (particularly back in the early 50s) there are some people who don't exactly appreciate it. Sidney Poitier plays the doctor in question, and as you'd expect he's brilliant in the lead role. I questioned a few choices that were made, but I think my issues with that aspect lie more with the script than his performance. Richard Windmark is appropriately despicable as the main antagonist. I utterly hated him from start to finish, which is exactly as intended, and I never felt he was exaggerating his performance too much. Not only do I think certain people would act like Ray Biddle in that situation back in that time period, I fear there are still people today who would do the same.
Easily my biggest struggle with No Way Out was either the script or the directing. I'm not sure where the blame should lie, but there are a lot of moments that felt clunky and awkward. Several of the supporting cast members performed like downright terrible actors, but it felt more like they were given clumsy dialogue to spout, or were not allowed to say things in a natural fashion. I also have to mention that the plot of No Way Out is just depressing and tough to watch. I appreciate that films like this one have been made because people need to have a light shined on the depressing cycle of bigotry, and how wrong it can be. Yet, while there is value in the story, I cringe watching it. I feel the pain of Dr. Brooks even if it's not something I've experienced myself. If the writing and directing lived up to the quality of the actors in No Way Out it would be worth the effort, but it didn't reach that level for me.
Easily my biggest struggle with No Way Out was either the script or the directing. I'm not sure where the blame should lie, but there are a lot of moments that felt clunky and awkward. Several of the supporting cast members performed like downright terrible actors, but it felt more like they were given clumsy dialogue to spout, or were not allowed to say things in a natural fashion. I also have to mention that the plot of No Way Out is just depressing and tough to watch. I appreciate that films like this one have been made because people need to have a light shined on the depressing cycle of bigotry, and how wrong it can be. Yet, while there is value in the story, I cringe watching it. I feel the pain of Dr. Brooks even if it's not something I've experienced myself. If the writing and directing lived up to the quality of the actors in No Way Out it would be worth the effort, but it didn't reach that level for me.