Review of In a Lonely Place (1950) by Joel S — 13 Oct 2010
Film noir, of which I am a fan, often dabbles in the nature of lust, greed, romance, and fixation. Rarely, however, does such a film explore the very nature of love itself. What are its limits? What does it take and give in return? Perhaps one shouldn't intellectualize it too much lest they wind up in their own lonely place.
Bogart is at his best (when isn't he?) as the writer Dixon Steele, whose prickly demeanour and cold wit have made him the prime suspect in a murder case. The film isn't formulated as a cat and mouse game, nor is it concerned with the protagonist's quest to prove his innocence.
These matters the director, Nicholas Ray, leaves up to the audience to decide (and guess) up until the very end. Even then the question of who's right and who's wrong remain satisfyingly unanswered.
This review of In a Lonely Place (1950) was written by Joel S on 13 Oct 2010.
In a Lonely Place has generally received very positive reviews.
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