Review of The Maltese Falcon (1941) by Murugananth S — 12 Jun 2011

After watching so many dissapointing new movies recentely I decided to go straight to which is prehaps my favourite section in my dvd rental store, the "Classic" section. I was certian that "The Maltese Falcon" wouldn't dissapoint, and I was completely right. This is a flawless film, the definition of a masterpiece anything below 100% would literally just be wrong. It ranks within the top 15 of Afi's list and they clearly got it right, this is highly regarded as the greatest "Crime" film ever made and I hate to jump on the Bandwagon straight away but in all honesty I can't think of a single crime movie that is even close to being as masterfully constructed as "The Maltese Falcon".

It's a fact that movies just aren't made on the level of gems like this anymore and also 70 or more years later only a few actors have actually been able to suprass "Bogart". The 1940's, a time when there was no fake special effects tension came from personal conflicts there was no need for explosions and over the top action the only effects you were witnessing and feeling was the emotions being spat at you by the actors heartfelt portrayls. This is actually the first film noir and well I say time has served it well it probably seems even better wathcing it in modern times as you can notice it's influence and i'm not even kidding when I tell you that "Humphrey Bogarts" performence in this could hardly be suprassed by anyone, I thought he was great in "Casablanca" and he was but his performence is even more in-depth and powerful in this one imo.

So the film which was written by "John Huston" follows the story of Detective "Sam Spade" (Humphrey Bogart) who soon looses his partner "Miles" who was killed whilst tailing a man. We learn that "Sam" never really did like "Miles" too much so this causes him to be a suspect and he is constantly bugged by police, however "Sam" seems to not be worrying and acts in a rather sarcastic manner towards the cops. A man named "Floyd Thursby" was also killed. "Brigid"(Mary Astor), the lady who asked "Miles" to follow the man seems to be a very suspicous character it seems she can hardly be trusted and is clearly not who she claims to be. "Sam" begins to suspect that "Brigid" has something to do with the one of a kind "Maltese Falcon" which is a gold statue of a falcon...

Now as I was saying before about the amazing performence by "Humphrey Bogart", his portrayl was mixed in many dimensions. From the first moment you see him he come's across as a bit of a cocky guy with a good sense of humor. This all results into his character being highly likeable and everytime he gets off-screen you want him back on. Halfway through the film leading to the end as the film builds up more tension and becomes more suspensful and intruging his character shows a more darker and serious side, it was a flawless performence he mixed so many emotions together and it all went together perfectely. Also from watching this film it's quiet obvious how influential his performence is in this, due to his unique facial expressions and the overall emotions he displayed. There was truly a great supporting cast here aswell including "Mary Astor,"Peter Lore","Sydney Greenstreet" and "Elisha Cook JR" and I have no complatins with anyone. Everyone did there part to stand-out but "Bogart" obviously dominated the film and deserves all of the praise.

The film will keep you engaged in suspense right up to the astonishing conclusion and feel good ending. Once the tension starts it never falls off it just keeps flowing through and the film is told in the most complex way which will keep you engaged and entertained throughout. Ive just seen one of the greatest movies of all time and ive just found a new instant favourite of mine, now I wanna see even more "Huston" films. This particular one was actually his debut and it was truly a sign of a great director the way he controlled the atmosphere to give you an in-depth insite of this mystrey was flawless.

Basicly this just can't be missed by anyone I reccomend this to all my fellow movie finatics on the highest possible level. Put it at the top of your to do list's if you havent allready had the pleasure of seeing it, you won't regret it!!