I'm one of those who got confused by the plot, but the chemistry between Bogie and Bacall is already enough of a reason to give this film a try. I particularly love the accidental prank call scene to the police. :D
There is a lot going on, but it's not as confusing as most say. My only trouble was the amount of names, but it does clear up.
Lauren Bacall was splendid.
@RWJ
Bogart isn't the best actor, no. He generally sticks to one character, but he's definitely good at what he does. Plus, he's always so likable, I think. Didn't enjoy him at all with my first introduction to him (Sabrina) and was confused to all the praise, but he really becomes more pleasing with each film.
Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep is a convoluted blackmail story that wins us over not through its plot, but because it has memorable characters and sparkling dialog. It would quite naturally remind one of The Maltese Falcon, especially since Humphrey Bogart is the lead, but I find Bogart's Philip Marlowe more interesting and varied than his Sam Spade. For one thing, Marlowe is trapped between two femme fatales, one played by the electric Lauren Bacall (movie gossip fans: this is where the two of them had an affair, leading to a wedding 3 months later - chemistry level is indeed quite high), the other by Martha Vickers, a much more dangerous coquette, though a less sympathetic one. All the women in this are gorgeous and sultry, mind you, from the sexy book store clerk to the sassy taxi driver. That sexual mood heightens a lurid pulp atmosphere that also supports some fairly violent goings-on. One of the great, quotable private eye thrillers.
Bogart and Bacall are wonderful. The plot, while not "confusing" per se, is convoluted enough to become silly rather than intriguing. Still, lots to like here.
rumor has it that every female in 3 mile radius to bogart sexually assaulted him at some point during filming and they had to call the police. even men flat out turned gay when they saw him in person and tried to flirt with him setting back the completion of the film by at least 10 years (a common setback on bogart films). what a manly man, man. im surprised his cause of death wasnt pussy drowning
Thank god. I wasnt sure if I was just really stupid for being confused while watching this. Despite not really understanding all the twists and turns of this movie, i do really like it!
when i saw the name "william faulkner" under the screen play titles during the opening, i knew the movie would be a mess to understand. and i didn't understand a goddam thing, like sound and fury.
and i'm sure i saw faulkner somewhere in the movie.
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Megalo
Hell, Chandler didn't even understand what was going on.twistedthursday
I'm one of those who got confused by the plot, but the chemistry between Bogie and Bacall is already enough of a reason to give this film a try. I particularly love the accidental prank call scene to the police. :DcriscoJovan
There is a lot going on, but it's not as confusing as most say. My only trouble was the amount of names, but it does clear up.Lauren Bacall was splendid.
@RWJ
Bogart isn't the best actor, no. He generally sticks to one character, but he's definitely good at what he does. Plus, he's always so likable, I think. Didn't enjoy him at all with my first introduction to him (Sabrina) and was confused to all the praise, but he really becomes more pleasing with each film.
Paulorsadv
Very complicated.mondovertigo
This is definitely a film you have to pay close attention to, it's very easy to get lost.Siskoid
Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep is a convoluted blackmail story that wins us over not through its plot, but because it has memorable characters and sparkling dialog. It would quite naturally remind one of The Maltese Falcon, especially since Humphrey Bogart is the lead, but I find Bogart's Philip Marlowe more interesting and varied than his Sam Spade. For one thing, Marlowe is trapped between two femme fatales, one played by the electric Lauren Bacall (movie gossip fans: this is where the two of them had an affair, leading to a wedding 3 months later - chemistry level is indeed quite high), the other by Martha Vickers, a much more dangerous coquette, though a less sympathetic one. All the women in this are gorgeous and sultry, mind you, from the sexy book store clerk to the sassy taxi driver. That sexual mood heightens a lurid pulp atmosphere that also supports some fairly violent goings-on. One of the great, quotable private eye thrillers.wetwillies
I've read the book and I didn't even understand what the hell was going on.Travis_Bickle
Who claims to understand the plot of this movie, without reading the book, is lying..ReVision
I must agree with Innocuous, there's a lot of names but if you keep paying attention the story isn't that confusing.Having said that, i didn't care for the story very much and Bogart has done better in other movies.
contrafugal
Bogart and Bacall are wonderful. The plot, while not "confusing" per se, is convoluted enough to become silly rather than intriguing. Still, lots to like here.Nostra
It's definitely a very confusing movie, but the witty writing in some scenes more than makes up for it. I would not call it a masterpiece however.Holden7
rumor has it that every female in 3 mile radius to bogart sexually assaulted him at some point during filming and they had to call the police. even men flat out turned gay when they saw him in person and tried to flirt with him setting back the completion of the film by at least 10 years (a common setback on bogart films). what a manly man, man. im surprised his cause of death wasnt pussy drowningDieguito
Great story, but not Bogart's best.. Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon are way betterstellaslove
Thank god. I wasnt sure if I was just really stupid for being confused while watching this. Despite not really understanding all the twists and turns of this movie, i do really like it!deckard.
when i saw the name "william faulkner" under the screen play titles during the opening, i knew the movie would be a mess to understand. and i didn't understand a goddam thing, like sound and fury.and i'm sure i saw faulkner somewhere in the movie.
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