Review of Key Largo (1948) by Jack W — 16 Oct 2010
The story for this film is not very strong and it lacks motivation for much of the action. The story is from a different time and I guess it required less development to explain the protagonists actions.
That said, the strength of this film lies in the performances of it's actors and the direction of Huston. Edward G Robinson is outstanding as Johnny Rocco. His performance is a forerunner to the role Cagney would later play as Cody Jarrett in White Heat.
Robinson infuses his performance with nastiness yet at the same time shows a deep vulnerability, a weakness psychologically for Rocco. Lionel Barrymore is good as the father, Bacall is solid and Claire Trevor is damn good as well.
Bogart is remarkable to me in that as an actor he gets so much out of doing so little. In fact one thing that stood out from all these actors is what their faces do and say with so little. As for Huston, again quality work and I particularly like that you really start seeing a departure from classical Hollywood cinematography and shot composition.
If the so try had been stronger this would have been one of those classics that we always talk about.
This review of Key Largo (1948) was written by Jack W on 16 Oct 2010.
Key Largo has generally received very positive reviews.
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