This film is unusual in that Robert Montgomery not only stars as the private detective "Philip Marlowe" but he also directs the film. In a way, this actually makes sense, as so much of the film is filmed from Marlowe's point of view. So it's easy to imagine the director/actor speaking his lines along side the camera--a VERY novel experiment that worked very well. I think that is because he WAS visible now and again when necessary so the film didn't seem too unconventional.
In addition to this interesting trick, the film features some of the most wonderfully "Noir" dialog of any detective film ever made. Marlowe isn't just fast-talking, but also exceptionally rude and abrasive--so much so that I actually laughed out loud several times--something you usually DON'T do with this sort of film! While I loved Bogart as Marlowe in THE BIG SLEEP, I actually preferred Montgomery'--both his style and much snappier dialog. This is saying a lot, as Bogart's version of Marlowe was great and had so many great lines.
The story itself, not surprisingly, is a tad confusing--something definitely true in several other Raymond Chandler movies. But, provided you pay close attention, it shouldn't be a problem. But I honestly think the exact details of the story are far less important to the dialog and relationship that grows between Marlowe and his one-time employer, Adrienne Fromsett (played by Audrey Trotter). While many Noir love interests seem at best secondary to the film, this one really improved the film--giving it added dimension and leading to an exceptional, though a tad up-beat, ending.
The bottom line is for Noir fans, this is a must-see film. I just can't understand why it's only got an overall score of 6.6--it's MUCH better than that and is a great example of an overlooked Noir classic.
In addition to this interesting trick, the film features some of the most wonderfully "Noir" dialog of any detective film ever made. Marlowe isn't just fast-talking, but also exceptionally rude and abrasive--so much so that I actually laughed out loud several times--something you usually DON'T do with this sort of film! While I loved Bogart as Marlowe in THE BIG SLEEP, I actually preferred Montgomery'--both his style and much snappier dialog. This is saying a lot, as Bogart's version of Marlowe was great and had so many great lines.
The story itself, not surprisingly, is a tad confusing--something definitely true in several other Raymond Chandler movies. But, provided you pay close attention, it shouldn't be a problem. But I honestly think the exact details of the story are far less important to the dialog and relationship that grows between Marlowe and his one-time employer, Adrienne Fromsett (played by Audrey Trotter). While many Noir love interests seem at best secondary to the film, this one really improved the film--giving it added dimension and leading to an exceptional, though a tad up-beat, ending.
The bottom line is for Noir fans, this is a must-see film. I just can't understand why it's only got an overall score of 6.6--it's MUCH better than that and is a great example of an overlooked Noir classic.