Review of Killer's Kiss (1955) by Pandy 3 — 10 Dec 2010

At first glance this story is nothing original, but Kubrick's production, photography and direction turn it into something else!

A second-class boxer Davy Gordon (Jamie) and a miserable dancer Gloria Price (Irene) live all alone in the same building in opposite apartments but fate will bring them together. When the girl's sneaky boss Vincent Rapallo (Frank Silvera) confesses his love feelings and desires, since she can't reciprocate them screams to prevent him from going any further, and so the boxer runs to her rescue. Sooner enough he falls in love with her and she decides to give it a try and escape with him far away from troubles. Their decision will bring out unhappiness to the sly boss who will get in their way, by all means.

Basically the film is Devy's recollection of the events, while he's waiting at the train station to find out the overall conclusion. He talks about the onset of their relationship, the love drama, and how fast it all happened outside of his control.

As the story progresses, the evil boss pursues both love birds and eventually captures them. In an attempt to escape Davy runs on roof tops and ends up in a mannequin factory, where a vicious and memorable fight scene will occur between the two men. It starts off as if the two are playing a deathly game of hide and seek, and when they face each other they wrestle to claim their love but eventually it will all come down to the survival of the fittest. In this scene the background is filled with female mannequins which could resemble the complexity of this love triangle since Irene plays the apple of discord who is equally desired by both but can only be with one.

What makes this noir film interesting is the moody New York setting with its dark and depressed streets, buildings and faces that fit perfectly to the whole theme. Also the dramatic music in the background accompanies each character and his development throughout the movie, as well as the tension build up in the action scenes. Acting is good, and easy to follow, and Devy's monologues of his inner thoughts are great.

Definitely worth's a view ;).