Review of The Killers (1946) by Marita L — 19 Apr 2010
This is a classic film- noir, and it all starts with the end. To hitmen appear in the small town of Brentwood, and they are out to kill a young man who works at a gas station. The man is warned by a friend, but still does not try to escape his faith. He stays in his bed, just waiting for the hitmen to get him- which they do.
From there on, the movie starts showing us the events that led up to the murder in Brentwood. The unfolding of the story is driven by insurance agent Jim Reardon (in the mandatory trench coat, this is noir after all), who is investigating the death of the young man. And yes, there is also a femme fatale and some who-framed-who plot.
Personally, I like noirs, and I also liked this one. The plot is interesting, and after a while you start making your own theories of what really happened before the young man was killed. And the young man is portrayed by a very young Burt Lancaster (his debut, I think)- who does a marvellous job here, despite being killed off rather early on in the film. Fortunately, we get to see quite a bit of him anyway, as the past unfolds. Ava Gardner is lovely as the femme fatal, and it is impossible not to like Edmond O`Brien as the "detective" who never gives up the solving of the murder.
This review of The Killers (1946) was written by Marita L on 19 Apr 2010.
The Killers has generally received very positive reviews.
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