The World’s Greatest Sinner is a 1962 movie directed by Timothy Carey.
WHAT HAPPENS?
An insurance salesman quits his job to preach about the power of man. He forms the “The Eternal Man” party and then enters politics. As his popularity soars, he begins to question his own beliefs.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The World’s Greatest Sinner is a quirky, clunky experiment helmed by one of cinema’s most unique talents.
THE ACTORS
It’s difficult to describe the wonderfully bizarre allure of Timothy Carey. He is an oddity – his lurching frame suggests a body that is at war with itself. His towering voice has no modulation and little cadence. He maintains little distance from other actors but feels incapable of intimacy. Yet, these awkward touches are the impeccable traits of raw originality.
There is no one quite like Timothy Carey.
The World’s Greatest Sinner sees Carey transform from Clarence Hilliard, the bored salesman and family man into God Hilliard, the spiritual zealot fulfilling his craven desires. In doing so, Carey gets to play a rock star consumed with carnal affairs and self-idealization. His performance can be balky and overly scripted – yet his presence commands constant attention. Carey is at his best both basking in the idolatry he’s created and reckoning with its truths.
THE DIRECTOR
It’s hard to find fault when a talent takes on such an endeavor – here, Carey is the writer, director and star. Similarly, the avant-garde nature of The World’s Greatest Sinner allows room for expression and in my view, a bigger margin for error.
Technically, the movie is rough. The edits are disjointed and the audio suffers throughout. However, Carey tries some experimental techniques that are interesting. He uses shadows to cast light on characters’ eyes and illustrate God’s fears as he reckons with his faith (in himself). The ending scenes are a fun visual escape.
THE BEST – The God Duel
Here was my note as I was watching: “God asks God to show him if he’s more powerful than him.”
These sequences are chaotic but low-key brilliant. The God among men is asking for a sign from the God above. Carey later slips into a church service and steals a wafer – which he repeatedly jabs with a needle. The result is both comical and telling.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Irony
The acting throughout the movie is awkward. For someone as unconventional and improvisational as Carey, his dialogue feels stiff. However, the content of what’s said can be terrific. Some of the best:
Clarence and his followers are establishing their party’s ideology: “There’s no use in kidding ourselves. We have to hate somebody.”
Clarence: “Let’s be different. Let’s not hate anyone.”
Clarence to an unemployed skeptic: “How would you like a job – following me to eternal life?”
THE BEST Part 3 – God’s Jacket
The embroidered jacket is amazing.
THE BEST Part 4 – Zappa
A movie as weird as this one demands a score written by none other than Frank Zappa.
THE WORST – Exchange with the Daughter
God’s character unfortunately reveals his ugliness around his wife and daughter. The wife is kept at a distance as Clarence assumes his new lifestyle. However, the scene where he hits his daughter is a bit much.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.5/5
Technically, The World’s Greatest Sinner is a rough watch. The movie also drags in parts. However, it’s worth a watch to experience one of the most unique talents ever create his own movie vision.
