Review of The Big Sleep (1946) by Donovan D — 06 Feb 2008
Another overrated Bogart noir, directed by Howard Hawks. Okay, so the plot is so convoluted it doesn't even make sense, but its a noir so its all about mood, right? Well, yes noir can be all about mood, but this is one very un-moody noir.
Where's the high contrast chiaroscuro? This film looks like any old crime film - in fact it looks a lot like Howard Hawks' better Scarface, and that was made in 1932! I will say however that Bogart is better as Philip Marlowe than he was as Sam Spade, and a Lauren Bacall hold her own.
That said, this film is no where near the class of favorites like Out of the Past, Double Indemnity and Touch of Evil. Passable, but for me quite forgettable.
This review of The Big Sleep (1946) was written by Donovan D on 06 Feb 2008.
The Big Sleep has generally received very positive reviews.
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