Review of The Big Sleep (1946) by Brendan G — 11 Nov 2008
This movie does tend to suffer from the classic film narrative problem towards the end. Like most movies back then, the emphasis was on the stars and not really the story. Oh sure, it starts off well and fine and for a while you just think that Lauren Bacall is just a femme fatale. But then the classic narrative syndrome kicks you like a mule kicking you in the crotch and the answer of the mystery is just briefly mentioned as our favorite detective gets the girl.
While I don't think Hawk's gangster style is really needed here (because it kinda defeats the purpose of the film noir style) I do think that his screwball style opens up doors upon doors of possibilities. The dialogue is already so absurd and quick that you might as well have a couple of bumbling henchmen.
To summarize, fantastic screenplay (even if it does move a little too quick for the audience) up until the end and the director needed some chains so he didn't have complete free reign over this project. Still a classic film noir in my mind.
This review of The Big Sleep (1946) was written by Brendan G on 11 Nov 2008.
The Big Sleep has generally received very positive reviews.
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