Review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011
This is one of the best movies ever made. Selfish gossip columnist Sidney Falco (Curtis) is hired by his cruel boss J.J. Hunsecker (Lancaster) to ruin his sister's (Harrison) romance to a jazz guitarist (Milner) because she's all he has.
He goes through with it, and does not carry about who's lives he destroys along the way. Sweet Smell of Success is memorable in every way. The acting is purely unbelievable-- every single person in the cast is so well chosen, it's hard to imagine them in any other role.
Curtis is fine in his first bad guy role (he was known for being good guys), and deserved the BAFTA nomination. Lancaster is one of the best villainous characters, and to think he didn't receive a nomination for his acting in any award is extremely shocking, it's one of the best performances I've ever seen.
Even unknown Susan Harrison is amazing in her first role-- her character goes down a downward spiral, and she does an amazing job. The cinematography is so ahead of it's time, and the clear black-and-white made this film look fresh and new even now.
The jazzy score fits this flick like a glove, it reflects the atmosphere in a great way. Sweet Smell of Success is incredible, and will probably be one of your favorite movies once you see it.
This review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) was written by Blake P on 17 Aug 2011.
Sweet Smell of Success has generally received very positive reviews.
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