|
| . |
|
The Big Sleep 1946 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Howard Hawks
NR, 114 min. |
 |
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely, Martha Vickers, Charles Waldron
Producer: Howard Hawks
Screenplay: William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett, Jules Furthman
Cinematography: Sidney Hickox
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Released: 8.31.46 |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
When people think of Humphrey Bogart, movies such as Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon come to mind first. While those
movies were also classics, you can add another with The Big Sleep, a film noir movie with star power and a complicated plot.
What makes the movie even more entertaining is the pairing of Bogart and his real life sweetheart Lauren Becall, whose
chemistry is evident in every scene of the film. Bogart reprises his private detective role - a character that reflects the best
aspects of Bogart. Of course, he has to fight off women throughout the film, with eyes only for Becall.
The plot can be confusing if you miss even a few scenes, and many people have to view it twice to understand the entire
film. But that's part of the intrigue of the film - you have to pay attention to keep up with Bogart (who always seems to know
what's going on). Bogart plays Philip Marlowe, a private detective, who is hired by a retired general, Sternwood (Charles
Waldron), to find out why he is being blackmailed because of one of his daughter's, Carmen (Martha Vickers), indiscretions.
Marlowe meets Carmen before he meets with the general, and she shows at least one of those indiscretions by flirting with
him just because he is "cute." On the way out, he meets the general's other daughter, Vivian (Becall), who is mature and
sophisticated - a match for the keen wit of Marlowe. Marlowe is instantly intrigued by her, and their first conversation is
peppered with underlying flirtations. As Marlowe sets out to find the blackmailer, he stumbles onto a murder - one in which
Carmen is found high on drugs next to the dead body. From this point, it is impossible to explain all the intricacies of the plot,
it is better to view the film in order to understand it completely.
The film basically tells two stories - one of Marlowe's original investigation of the blackmailer, and then his own private
investigation into the mystery of another man's disappearance (who was the general's closest confidant and friend). Marlowe's
sense of duty to the general (plus the fact that he likes him) and his newfound interest in Vivian keeps him on the case.
The plot is built around the general's daughters and a local wealthy casino owner. A complex web is spun between these
characters and Marlowe, cleverly leading then misleading the audience. Only in the final scene do we find out what Marlowe
knows - the murderer of the blackmailer.
The Big Sleep refers to death - it involves murder, gambling, pornography and the resulting effects of these deeds. And while
these criminals commit their crimes, the rest of the world is oblivious to it. Only Marlowe has the courage to shed light on
this world, only to be chased and almost killed.
There has not been better chemistry on the screen than is obvious between Bogart and Becall. In the middle of all the chaos
and confusion, they still keep their eyes on each other - even if they have different goals. Although their kisses are electrifying,
their competing dialogue with each other is even more entertaining - it's laced with sexual overtones and playful one-liners.
Their obvious affection for each other is evidence of their off-screen relationship. They were already married when they filmed
The Big Sleep, and they brought some of that real-life romance into their roles.
Director Howard Hawks original version of the movie was released in 1944, but after some grumbling by the actors, he re-shot
some scenes and re-released the film in 1946, which was the version that we have today (although the current DVD version has
both). His brilliant directing is the film's strength - even though parts are confusing, you are not tempted to stop watching
the film. He keeps the story narrowly focused - almost with a sense of entrapment, you only know as much as Marlowe knows
from scene to scene. This approach builds the tension for the final scene of the film, which is rewarding.
Although the aforementioned Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon are considered Bogart's best films, an argument can be made
for the Big Sleep to be in that category of films. In fact, I actually prefer The Big Sleep to The Maltese Falcon in many ways,
although I would still give a slight edge to the overall feel of The Maltese Falcon. But there's little question that this film
is one of the best ever made - for its cleverness, its steamy chemistry, and most all its great dialogue. Films don't get much
better than The Big Sleep.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
|
 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
|
