Huge, gaping plot holes prevent this from being a near-perfect noir, but it's still a lot of fun, beautifully shot, and the near-insane levels of sexual innuendo during the Elisha Cook, Jr. drumming sequences...well, it has to be seen to be believed.
Another solid noir from Tourneur, if not quite up to the level of Out of the Past. Memorable villains, particularly the character of "Red," and the snow-filled setting of the finale is a refreshing change from the usual urban smog. A rather gruesome showdown (think Fargo) and a very young Anne Bancroft are just a few other highlights in this gem.
Aside from being a decent noir, this is notable for its early and tactful handling of the subject of antisemitism (and bigotry in general), as well as the issue of soldiers' malaise after the war ended. Solid work by all involved.
Slow and silly story about hypnotism, but the actors do their best with the material (and I could watch Gene Tierney pick her nose for two hours without losing interest). /schoolboy crush
They don't make 'em like this anymore. Gorgeously shot, genuinely creepy, with a knockout performance by Dorothy McGuire as a mute girl targeted by a serial killer. The opening and ending sequences are particular standouts. If you ever feel embarrassed to admit you're a horror buff, remember films like these and hold your head up high.
Worth watching for the beautifully crafted opening shot alone, this film also features some truly eerie sequences, particularly those involving the chilling character of "Mrs. Hammond." Davis is terrific as usual.
Another knockout of an experience courtesy of Carol Reed. As in Reed's Fallen Idol, a deceptively simple plot is turned into an engrossing, powerful exploration of what makes us tick, and why we do the things we do.
Absolutely brilliant little film. I can't think of a single thing I'd change in it. Director Reed makes the most out of the slightest details and mixes dread with humor with a skill that rivals Hitchcock's. The bewildering sensations of childhood have never been so honestly and accurately portrayed. After loving this and The Third Man, I'm making it a mission to watch more of Reed's work.
This is a really interesting hidden gem of a film, with a common theme (betrayal and redemption) deftly woven into a unique storyline about cutthroat produce merchants. Imagine Wages of Fear, but with apples instead of nitroglycerine (Wages of Apples?), and some elements of film noir thrown in for good measure. "Figlia" - the ultimate ruthless businessman - is a wonderful character you'll love to hate. My only quibble is with the too-swift, extra-happy ending.
A big disappointment. Poorly executed, laughably bad at times, with a lame gimmick (the POV shots get old quick, but go on for more than 30 minutes) and a really obvious bad guy. The first hour revolves entirely around a facelift (which apparently alters a person's voice - even one as unique as Bogart's - enough to prevent anyone from recognizing it). If it wasn't for Bogart & Bacall, no one would give this a second thought.
The weakest noir I've seen yet. Uninvolving story, not very skillfully told, without a single moment that stood out. Only watch it if you're...desperate.
Probably best known as the film that features a flashback-within-a-flashback-within-a-flashback, it's a bit slow and overly melodramatic, but still a decent mystery/noir. Laraine Day is beautiful, and does a terrific job as "the woman with a mysterious past."
Considered by many to be the first real film noir, this features a splendid nightmare sequence and a typically deranged Peter Lorre performance. Otherwise, nothing too special.
A few things set this noir apart from the rest. The character of Nick Bianco (played with a touching humanity by Victor Mature) is a father of two little girls, and is willing to break one of the biggest "rules" among criminals to be with them. It's not often you see such a real, vulnerable man in films like these. Richard Widmark makes his extremely memorable screen debut as the totally psychotic Tommy Udo (whose favorite word is "squirt"). Even wheelchair-bound old ladies aren't safe when he's around. Finally, the presence of the ever-lovely Coleen Gray (also seen in Kubrick's "The Killing" and "Nightmare Alley") rounds out the solid cast. Recommended for those who enjoy noirs that stray from the beaten path.
A highly original premise is somewhat marred by an overly complicated plot. Still, you can't go wrong with a noir that begins with the following exchange:
"Who was murdered?"
"I was."
I can forgive the ending because of the forced censorship in practice at the time, but some of the stupid decisions made by the main characters (especially when one of them is a professor of psychology) prevented me from buying a lot of what takes place. Aside from that, it's a decent suspense flick.
Comments 101 - 125 of 195
Movie comment on Phantom Lady
MrE2Me
Huge, gaping plot holes prevent this from being a near-perfect noir, but it's still a lot of fun, beautifully shot, and the near-insane levels of sexual innuendo during the Elisha Cook, Jr. drumming sequences...well, it has to be seen to be believed.Movie comment on The Window
MrE2Me
Solid suspense story that prefigures Rear Window by 5 years.Movie comment on Nightfall
MrE2Me
Another solid noir from Tourneur, if not quite up to the level of Out of the Past. Memorable villains, particularly the character of "Red," and the snow-filled setting of the finale is a refreshing change from the usual urban smog. A rather gruesome showdown (think Fargo) and a very young Anne Bancroft are just a few other highlights in this gem.Movie comment on The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
MrE2Me
Yeah, this is a superb noir, one of the best I've seen to date. Deserves to be better known. Top-notch cast, too.Movie comment on Crossfire
MrE2Me
Aside from being a decent noir, this is notable for its early and tactful handling of the subject of antisemitism (and bigotry in general), as well as the issue of soldiers' malaise after the war ended. Solid work by all involved.Movie comment on Whirlpool
MrE2Me
Slow and silly story about hypnotism, but the actors do their best with the material (and I could watch Gene Tierney pick her nose for two hours without losing interest). /schoolboy crushMovie comment on The Spiral Staircase
MrE2Me
They don't make 'em like this anymore. Gorgeously shot, genuinely creepy, with a knockout performance by Dorothy McGuire as a mute girl targeted by a serial killer. The opening and ending sequences are particular standouts. If you ever feel embarrassed to admit you're a horror buff, remember films like these and hold your head up high.Movie comment on The Letter
MrE2Me
Worth watching for the beautifully crafted opening shot alone, this film also features some truly eerie sequences, particularly those involving the chilling character of "Mrs. Hammond." Davis is terrific as usual.Movie comment on Body and Soul
MrE2Me
The best boxing film ever made. If you like this, also check out The Set-Up.Movie comment on Odd Man Out
MrE2Me
Another knockout of an experience courtesy of Carol Reed. As in Reed's Fallen Idol, a deceptively simple plot is turned into an engrossing, powerful exploration of what makes us tick, and why we do the things we do.Movie comment on The Fallen Idol
MrE2Me
Absolutely brilliant little film. I can't think of a single thing I'd change in it. Director Reed makes the most out of the slightest details and mixes dread with humor with a skill that rivals Hitchcock's. The bewildering sensations of childhood have never been so honestly and accurately portrayed. After loving this and The Third Man, I'm making it a mission to watch more of Reed's work.Movie comment on Thieves' Highway
MrE2Me
This is a really interesting hidden gem of a film, with a common theme (betrayal and redemption) deftly woven into a unique storyline about cutthroat produce merchants. Imagine Wages of Fear, but with apples instead of nitroglycerine (Wages of Apples?), and some elements of film noir thrown in for good measure. "Figlia" - the ultimate ruthless businessman - is a wonderful character you'll love to hate. My only quibble is with the too-swift, extra-happy ending.Movie comment on Angels with Dirty Faces
MrE2Me
Hard to resist the fun of watching Cagney square off against Bogart. (Not very often you get to see the latter play a timid character, either.)Movie comment on Dark Passage
MrE2Me
A big disappointment. Poorly executed, laughably bad at times, with a lame gimmick (the POV shots get old quick, but go on for more than 30 minutes) and a really obvious bad guy. The first hour revolves entirely around a facelift (which apparently alters a person's voice - even one as unique as Bogart's - enough to prevent anyone from recognizing it). If it wasn't for Bogart & Bacall, no one would give this a second thought.Movie comment on Desperate
MrE2Me
The weakest noir I've seen yet. Uninvolving story, not very skillfully told, without a single moment that stood out. Only watch it if you're...desperate.Movie comment on The Locket
MrE2Me
Probably best known as the film that features a flashback-within-a-flashback-within-a-flashback, it's a bit slow and overly melodramatic, but still a decent mystery/noir. Laraine Day is beautiful, and does a terrific job as "the woman with a mysterious past."Movie comment on Stranger on the Third Floor
MrE2Me
Considered by many to be the first real film noir, this features a splendid nightmare sequence and a typically deranged Peter Lorre performance. Otherwise, nothing too special.Movie comment on In a Lonely Place
MrE2Me
A real bravura performance by Bogart. Probably his finest work.Movie comment on Kiss of Death
MrE2Me
A few things set this noir apart from the rest. The character of Nick Bianco (played with a touching humanity by Victor Mature) is a father of two little girls, and is willing to break one of the biggest "rules" among criminals to be with them. It's not often you see such a real, vulnerable man in films like these. Richard Widmark makes his extremely memorable screen debut as the totally psychotic Tommy Udo (whose favorite word is "squirt"). Even wheelchair-bound old ladies aren't safe when he's around. Finally, the presence of the ever-lovely Coleen Gray (also seen in Kubrick's "The Killing" and "Nightmare Alley") rounds out the solid cast. Recommended for those who enjoy noirs that stray from the beaten path.Movie comment on Du rififi chez les hommes
MrE2Me
The heist sequence, which takes place in almost complete silence, is a highlight in a film full of highlights. Masterful.Movie comment on The Big Clock
MrE2Me
A lighter-than-average noir with lots of comic touches, the highlight being a female painter whose art is connected with a murder. Good fun.Movie comment on Sweet Smell of Success
MrE2Me
Wow, the psychological brutality waged by the characters in this film is unrelenting. The lowest depths of human nature are plumbed. Great stuff.Movie comment on Brute Force
MrE2Me
About as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face, and surprisingly brutal for its time. Still entertaining, though.Movie comment on D.O.A.
MrE2Me
A highly original premise is somewhat marred by an overly complicated plot. Still, you can't go wrong with a noir that begins with the following exchange:"Who was murdered?"
"I was."
Movie comment on The Woman in the Window
MrE2Me
I can forgive the ending because of the forced censorship in practice at the time, but some of the stupid decisions made by the main characters (especially when one of them is a professor of psychology) prevented me from buying a lot of what takes place. Aside from that, it's a decent suspense flick.Showing items 101 – 125 of 195