White Heat is an oft-quoted James Cagney classic, and I wish I could say I loved it more than I did. Make no mistake, Cagney's performance as a dangerous and irredeemable gangster should be required viewing, by far the best reason to see the film. As a crime picture, it doesn't seem to want to decide what subgenre it belongs to. It starts out as a train robbery movie, then it's an undercover cop movie and a prison movie. Then it's a about a heist, becomes a procedural manhunt story, but it ends with a "crime doesn't pay" action scene. Many strong elements are introduced that seemed to need more attention - the mother who is just as bad as her son, the assassination attempts in prison, the undercover cop getting caught in a lie - but don't as the film once again pivots. Throughout it all, you have Cagney lighting up the screen, legitimately turning it into a character portrait that makes you forget about plot and structure. But it's as if this character were too good for one film, and they tried to fit him into several at once.
We never really get tired of seeing Cagney play a good gangster, and despite this being one of his later roles it still really shines. This one has a well-rounded out cast that helps to elevate the picture (looking at you, "Ma" Jarrett) and lots of great action with good stunt work.
Add your comment
Comments 1 - 15 of 20
Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/179281/review/154666/George Bailey
Despite the fact that my grandmother is going on a fox hunting with James Cagney somewhere in 2061-2062, I gave this an 8!frodon
Made it Ma! Top of the world!Siskoid
White Heat is an oft-quoted James Cagney classic, and I wish I could say I loved it more than I did. Make no mistake, Cagney's performance as a dangerous and irredeemable gangster should be required viewing, by far the best reason to see the film. As a crime picture, it doesn't seem to want to decide what subgenre it belongs to. It starts out as a train robbery movie, then it's an undercover cop movie and a prison movie. Then it's a about a heist, becomes a procedural manhunt story, but it ends with a "crime doesn't pay" action scene. Many strong elements are introduced that seemed to need more attention - the mother who is just as bad as her son, the assassination attempts in prison, the undercover cop getting caught in a lie - but don't as the film once again pivots. Throughout it all, you have Cagney lighting up the screen, legitimately turning it into a character portrait that makes you forget about plot and structure. But it's as if this character were too good for one film, and they tried to fit him into several at once.duchin6
the brilliant James Cagney ,great noir one of the best I think,loved it.Talionnen
Ma is awesome.Dieguito
Great Movie.contrafugal
Wow, Joe Pesci must be way older than I thought.Kobrakai
James Cagney as an insane bad guy is super!! Great movie.bubar
Great movie!ReVision
My favorite Noir film! Great script and what a performance by Cagney!V012
DAMN.afan
Awesome!DisneyStitch
We never really get tired of seeing Cagney play a good gangster, and despite this being one of his later roles it still really shines. This one has a well-rounded out cast that helps to elevate the picture (looking at you, "Ma" Jarrett) and lots of great action with good stunt work.muddi900
You look great in shower curtains.Showing items 1 – 15 of 20