The film opens with Harper (Newman), unshaven and gradually awakening from a hangover
He puts his head under a faucet, attempts to make coffee but finds none left, and dispiritedly takes yesterday's grounds from the garbage and makes a perfect1y terrible cup of coffee
At once we get Harper's image as an antihero detective without any illusions
As he is commissioned by Lauren Bacall to trace her wealthy husband who has been kidnapped, the details are filled in: he's tough, ironic, cool, unpleasant and repugnant Although occasionally given to a moment of sensitivity or remorse, he's most1y sadistic and exploitative
Harper is a loner, with an air of detachment and an ability to dispatch opponents with a fist and a flippant remark He swings into action only mechanically He chews gum constantly, looks around in an uninteresting manner, makes little disapproving gestures, laughs in total disregards, and smiles mischievously
Harper's dealings with women are based exclusively on coldness, deception and sexual exploitation He is estranged from his wife and would like to renew his marriage
As he is commissioned by Lauren Bacall to trace her wealthy husband who has been kidnapped, the details are filled in: he's tough, ironic, cool, unpleasant and repugnant Although occasionally given to a moment of sensitivity or remorse, he's most1y sadistic and exploitative
Harper is a loner, with an air of detachment and an ability to dispatch opponents with a fist and a flippant remark He swings into action only mechanically He chews gum constantly, looks around in an uninteresting manner, makes little disapproving gestures, laughs in total disregards, and smiles mischievously
Harper's dealings with women are based exclusively on coldness, deception and sexual exploitation He is estranged from his wife and would like to renew his marriage