Review of In a Lonely Place (1950) by Anastasia B — 31 Oct 2009

This noir is an interesting addition to Nicholas Ray's filmography, because of three notable exceptions. The first one has to do with the crime cliche plot, that's usually the standard at the core in any noir. However, here the story's heart is the relationship of the protagonists, and not so much the crime that's been committed. The second exception has to do with Bogart's character. Here is one of the few times in his career when he does not play the square guy, but a much more nuanced character, that's funny, violent, and (we suspect) deranged. Last but not least, Gloria Grahame is not a hooker or a slut (as she was later frequently typecast) but a real lady.

As the story unfolds, and both of them hit it off, you come to care deeply about this couple, hoping desperately (as Bogart's agent often does in the film) that some transforming event will come that will spare them and allow their love to flourish and heal them both, even as the events unfolding before your own eyes tells you that they don't stand a chance.