Review of The Killing (1956) by Adrian B — 26 Jan 2011

I found this film to be a bit of dissapointment overall. I will start with the positive things, however, such as the cinematography and the editing, which seemed pretty good. The acting was also fair. The problems I have with the film factor around two things.

First, the narration from the person off camera. I have to say that is pretty to listen to through the 84 or so minutes. It is not needed and we are not visual impaired. The other problem is the plot.

It is too slow paced and not much happens at times. The film lacks punch and I am one of the cult followers for this. I think Kubrick was trying to pattern John Huston classic's "The Asphalt Jungle," also starring Sterling Hayden, where it was the process of heist and the aftermath of all the criminals, but unfortunately it did not come close to being as good.

Thankfully, the director's release the next year "Paths of Glory" was great piece of work. This film is just marginal.