REVIEW: The Big Sleep

I don’t remember exactly, but some time ago I bought several of Raymond Chandler’s books with the PI Philip Marlowe as the protagonist. However, I didn’t read them right away, not only because I had —well, actually I still have— a stack of physical books and audiobooks that I still need to read, but because apparently I bought the penultimate ones and thought it would be better to start from the beginning. And get around it took me a while. In the end, I got me the earlier ones and that made me want to watch the film adaptations. Honestly, it was largely because the book’s style were somewhat confusing and hard to follow, so I watched the films to basically get an idea of what I was reading.

And this brings us to the present with the adaptation of the first book in the series, starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart, who’s known for his portrayal of suave, wisecracking characters, Bogart embodies the slick, no-nonsense persona that often flirts with the realm of anti-heroes. His characters, while charming, navigate a landscape where scruples are in short supply. Which, if you know Marlowe’s entire persona, this makes Bogart a no brainer choice to embody the PI. Now, it is too early to say if he is the best of all those who put themselves in the PI’s skin, but so far everything seems to indicate that.

Beyond Bogart’s performance, the rest of the cast is equally good, with Lauren Bacall oozing so much sex appeal and her eyes alone are so magnetic. The character, both in the film and the book, has shades of a femme fatale, but in my opinion, she is not fatal enough to reach that level. That said, Vivian Ruthledge is a very capable and somewhat enigmatic character, aspects that fit very well with the femme fatale archetype. In any case, the actress does a great job and the chemistry between the two is explosive. Which shouldn’t be so surprising considering they had been married for a year and lasted a good 12 years together, so—and maybe this shows how naive I can be—it is clear that there was a spark between them.

Under the masterful direction of Howard Hawks, this adaptation showcases a keen understanding of its strengths. Hawks skillfully harnesses the talents of his actors while fully realizing the script’s potential, delivering an engaging experience that resonates with audiences. Once more, we are presented with a work that, akin to its literary counterpart, brims with humor and clever quips. The director masterfully intertwines humor with the darker elements of the narrative, creating a great contrast that keeps the audience engaged. Therefore, while it is true that the film is far from being a comedy, on several occasions, thanks to the dialogue and reactions as simple as Marlowe donning dark glasses and adjusting them, not only show how cool Marlowe is, but they elicit a smile.

But in the end, the film remains true to its noir roots, weaving a narrative rich with crime and unexpected turns. Loved how they employ lighting masterfully to reveal and obscure things, while the director expertly captures the tension and suspense inherent in the source material, arguably surpassing the novel in its execution. The film reaches new heights thanks to Max Steiner’s score, which masterfully crafts and amplifies the suspense. The piercing score during the film’s most perilous moments grips the audience, leaving me teetering on the brink of anxiety, bracing for the impending doom.

All in all, from the very outset, it becomes clear why this film has earned its status as a classic, captivating audiences with its timeless appeal. The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, culminating in a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. While it may falter in pace during the middle act, the film ends with a (literal) bang.