Fritz Lang’s *You Only Live Once* was written by C. Graham Baker and Gene Towne and features Sylvia Sidney, Henry Fonda, Barton MacLane, Jean Dixon, and William Gargan in the cast. Alfred Newman composed the music, and Leon Shamroy handled the cinematography. From the moment he appears, it feels like this man has been headed toward an execution chamber his entire life. This is one of Fritz Lang’s earliest American films, a really strong early example of noir that fits right into the group of movies about couples running from the law. The story draws on the Bonnie and Clyde story, with Fonda playing Eddie Taylor, who's been in jail three times. After some maneuvering and promises, Eddie is released to his girlfriend, Jo Graham (Sidney). Eddie wants to go straight and build a life with Jo, but finds a world that isn’t willing to let him move on. To make matters worse, former criminal partners have plans for him that aren't good news. The familiar Romeo & Juliet dynamic emerges as the two lovers are so devoted to each other that they will do anything to stay together and try to bring happiness into each other’s lives. Lang brings his signature visual style to this tragic noir story, using drifting fogs, mists, and shadowy spiderwebs in important scenes. He uses tilted camera angles and reflections to create a psychological effect, while the theme of protecting animals – along with the recurring frog motif – adds to the otherworldly and nightmarish feel that often characterizes Lang’s films. The action sequences are well-managed; a robbery involving smoke grenades and a prison escape are particularly gripping. Lang also gets good performances from his leads. Sidney doesn't have much to work with in the script, as her character is stuck playing the typical compliant love interest, but she brings something special to her scenes with Fonda that deserves recognition. Fonda delivers a great performance, moving seamlessly between a loving partner and an angry man; he’s central to all of the different elements Lang weaves together. Some have suggested it's too morally ambiguous, but for fans of film noir, this is actually a positive thing, especially when Lang combines his stunning visuals with feelings of alienation, fatalism, and pessimism. *You Only Live Once* is an important film in terms of its place in film noir history, and a must-see for those who appreciate Lang’s work. It's a complex and fascinating movie, earning it a rating of 9/10.

Source on TMDB