Review of The Big Sleep (1946) by Jim H — 11 May 2013

Phillip Marlowe gets embroiled in a family's drama, which quickly turns murderous.

Everything about this film is perfect. The mystery is compelling and engaging because the characters are always ahead of the audience, which is refreshing in this age when everything but flashing arrows tell modern audiences when the detective encounters a clue. The writing is sharp and funny with lines so good and so right for Bogie that it's impossible to imagine anyone else saying them. For example:

Eddie Mars: Is that any of your business?

Philip Marlowe: I could make it my business.

Eddie Mars: I could make your business mine.

Philip Marlowe: Oh, you wouldn't like it. The pay's too small.

And there's Bogie and Bacall -- film legends with legendary chemistry -- who sizzle the screen. It's only their talent that makes a rather tepid love story work.

I don't see anything profound or socially necessary about The Big Sleep, but films like this can be intellectually engaging and fun.

Overall, The Big Sleep is a foundational film and a great time at the movies.