Review of The Long Goodbye (1973) by Tonygreen — 08 Feb 2021
Just an incredibly good film. Altman takes a classic noir novel, and transforms it into something somehow even better.
The performances feel incredibly naturalistic and totally unrehearsed, at times to being quite jagged. But the cinematography is beautiful and exacting. Gould captures my idea of Marlowe's essential nature - cynical, knowing, determined, and guided by empathy and moral conviction. And at the same time he rides above depravity of the circles he mixes in with an attitude of detached humour. And Gould's wonderfully slovenly and goofy Marlowe just enriches the character.
Standout supporting roles include Henry Gibson as the creepy Dr Verringer, and Mark Rydell as the vicious and pathetic Augustine. But I particularly liked Sterling Hayden as the alcoholic writer Roger Wade - equal parts terrifying and heartbreaking.
This review of The Long Goodbye (1973) was written by Tonygreen on 08 Feb 2021.
The Long Goodbye has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
