Review of The Asphalt Jungle (1950) by Michael W — 13 Apr 2009

The Asphalt Jungle is one of the most influential heist films ever. This truly remarkable film noir from the brilliant John Huston is so well made and put together that it's hard to find many faults - if any - that take away from the film.

Each character is so interesting to take a close look at. From their vices and motives, each distinguishes themselves throughout the story. Doc was easily my favorite character as the performance by Sam Jaffe gives the character an unmistakable sense of realism.

Sterling Hayden, one of the more underrated actors of the time, gives a rock solid performance as the brawn behind the operation. The ONLY fault I can find is that for a film whose title refers to a city and the way that it can be a jungle it really lacked that kind of environmental sense it could have achieved to push the film over the edge.

I would have loved to see Huston tackle filming in a real city like Jules Dassin did two years earlier in the tremendous film The Naked City. Either way though, this film has a fantastic and gripping crime plot full of all your noir necessities and outstanding performances and directing.

A must see.