Review of The Big Sleep (1946) by Josh D — 11 Apr 2012

The Big Sleep is supposed to be a classic film, an example of true noir films, and a pinnacle of Bogartâ(TM)s abilities. I will say that I felt elements of the film aged very well, whereas some others did not. The film started off very strongly, it drew you in straight away and you wanted to watch it all. Unfortunately, the plot I felt let it down. Iâ(TM)m not a fan of Chandlerâ(TM)s style, which mainly revolves around dialogue, the plots themselves often confusing and a mess. Chandler even admitted himself he didnâ(TM)t know who committed the crime in the film.

However the dialogue is just amazing, the one liners, similes, suggestions, quotes, the dialogue just crackles during the script, and it is unfortunate that such great dialogue exists in such a poorly conceived plot. Bogart himself portrays the role well, even if the character himself is slightly unappealing. Heâ(TM)s scrawny, easily beatable, several times just hides whilst others either do the work or get hurt/killed, and then is manipulated by the love interest. I guess it makes his role more believable in some way, but it does make him seem quite weak, and that left me quite put off. Overall, there are some brilliance and some amateur elements to the film, and I really expected better.