Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Big Sleep (1946)

Connie: "You're not very tall, are you?"
Marlowe: "Well, I try to be."

And so it begins... I love this movie. I could watch it over and over just for its great lines. As for the plot: When Detective Marlowe (Bogart) is called in to help a very wealthy man try to solve some of his messed up daughter's (the above Connie's) gambling problems, Marlowe becomes involved with deeper intrigue. And with Connie's sister Vivian (Lauren Bacall). Enter more great dialogue.
This movie has everything a great detective film should have, from a long and winding cast of characters who are never quite what they claim to be to a mysterious and sarcastic leading lady. I'm not sure I can say anything else about it without giving away plot twists!
"You begin to interest me, vaguely."
Four stars.

4 comments:

Fred Theilig said...

I agree, it's a wonderful movie. I watched it with my tween son on the big screen and he applauded when it was over.

It motivated me to read the book, which I recommend. If the plot of the movie was a little hard to follow, the book clears everything up. Elemets were changed (like who the bad guy is) but the screenplay was a fair adaptation.

Jessica said...

I've actually never considered reading the book before, but now I'm thinking I might. Thanks for the recommendation.

Unknown said...

Hi,

I'd like to know if it's possible that you introduce my website on your blog.
It's http://www.ifaved.com and it's a place to find people with the same movie-taste.
Plus you can review movies in a different way.

Thanks a lot

David

Jessica said...

And now I've read the book... Which was entertaining, but different, beginning with:

Connie: "Tall, aren't you?"
Marlowe: "I didn't mean to be."

I guess that change was for Humphrey Bogart!

Along the lines of other differences, it's been a long time since I've heard someone described as a "Jewess."