Review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) by Gareth B — 25 Oct 2010
Sweet Smell of Success is an interesting film noir, in that it doesn't really follow many of the stereotypical cliches of noir. Furthermore, it also casts Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster, who were both known previously for playing heroes, as the villains of the show.
Tony Curtis is Sidney Falco, a slimey PR agent who will go to any lengths to get publicity from J.J. Hunsecker (Lancaster), the most powering newspaper columnist in New York. Hunsecker doesn't want his sister marrying a Jazz musician, and so orders Falco to break up their love affair by any means necessary.
Curtis is totally convicing as the greasy slimeball press agent, who totally deserves all the bad luck he has coming his way. Indeed, Curtis's fans were initially horrified, since they were expecting him to play another nice guy role.
Lancaster's possibly incestuous feelings towards his sister are never overtly stated but are implied, and whenever on screen he is a force to be reckoned with. Possibly because of such a negative reaction from the fans, Sweet Smell of Success failed at the box office, despite high critical praise.
Although not as influential as other film noir like The Naked City, this film is nonetheless an important milestone, with some great dialogue to boot.
This review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) was written by Gareth B on 25 Oct 2010.
Sweet Smell of Success has generally received very positive reviews.
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