My wife and I love old film noir movies, absolutely love them. But somehow we'd never seen this one, even though it launched the genre and is esteemed as a classic must-see film.
So last night we watched it and I have to say that I was disappointed. It wasn't terrible but I just don't see it living up to the reputation it's developed over the years. It's frenetic in pace, full of plot holes, a plot that's almost impossible to follow and makes little sense in the end.
The performances, especially Bogart's almost save it and are why I didn't give it a lower score, with the exception of Ms. Astor who I thought was terribly miscast in her role. But overall I can think of numerous later film noir entries that are far superior, "Double Indemnity" being one that immediately comes to mind, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" being another, "Gaslight," and "Laura". And of course "Casablanca" as the all time Bogart classic film.
I know I'm in the minority and I've gone back over my experience watching this movie trying to see what I've missed. I know it's groundbreaking for establishing the genre, and making Bogart a star, and the film debut of Sidney Greenstreet and John Huston but I just cant reconcile it's reputation with the film I just watched. I was really disappointed after waiting so long to see it. Everyone's entitled to their opinion....this is just mine.
So last night we watched it and I have to say that I was disappointed. It wasn't terrible but I just don't see it living up to the reputation it's developed over the years. It's frenetic in pace, full of plot holes, a plot that's almost impossible to follow and makes little sense in the end.
The performances, especially Bogart's almost save it and are why I didn't give it a lower score, with the exception of Ms. Astor who I thought was terribly miscast in her role. But overall I can think of numerous later film noir entries that are far superior, "Double Indemnity" being one that immediately comes to mind, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" being another, "Gaslight," and "Laura". And of course "Casablanca" as the all time Bogart classic film.
I know I'm in the minority and I've gone back over my experience watching this movie trying to see what I've missed. I know it's groundbreaking for establishing the genre, and making Bogart a star, and the film debut of Sidney Greenstreet and John Huston but I just cant reconcile it's reputation with the film I just watched. I was really disappointed after waiting so long to see it. Everyone's entitled to their opinion....this is just mine.