Review of The Big Heat (1953) by Jason J — 03 Mar 2012

Superior Film Noir directed by the great Fritz Lang. Glenn Ford is an honest cop in a very crooked town. However, when the mob attacks and nearly kills him (killing his wife instead), he blows his top and becomes a very tough cop who won't take NO for an answer. Along the way, the headstrong Ford encounters a lot of amazing characters--all played exceptionally well. In particular, a young Lee Marvin gives perhaps his best supporting performances as a hood who has a penchant for beating up women. In one scene, he nearly breaks a bit actress' arm and in another he throws scalding hot coffee in the face of his girlfriend. It's so brutal and realistic in its ferocity and cruelness.

Wonderful performances, terrific pacing and excellent writing make this one movie well worth seeing and as a result, it's one of the best examples of Film Noir out there and a great example of a movie about a cop who's seen enough and is on a rampage. One of Glenn Ford's finest performance. Highly recommended.