I hadn't even heard about this film until relatively recently, while searching for noir titles during my recent obsession with the genre. Even before I watched it, this film had two things going for it: Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, two of my favourite actors. I remember after seeing it the first time, I couldn't get over the snarky, acerbic dialogue. This film has one of the most memorable screenplays ever written, with nearly every line quotable. Combine that with near-flawless execution, and you've got yourself a movie.
The film centers around J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful newspaper columnist, who uses the power of the press to control and manipulate those around him. Tony Curtis stars as Sidney Falco, a press agent who will sink to any low in order to impress J.J. and make his way to the top. J.J., upon hearing of his sister's romantic affiliation with hot-tempered jazz singer Steve Dallas, puts Falco on the job of doing whatever he can to keep his sister away from Dallas.
Some of the most memorable scenes are those that feature Falco running around New York City in a desperate attempt to split up the pair. As the film progresses and Falco's desperation grows, the attempts become more aggressive and subtlety is thrown out the window. Almost everyone that speaks says something memorable, but unsurprisingly, the best lines are delivered by Lancaster and Curtis. For example:
J.J. Hunsecker: What's this boy got that Susie likes?
Sidney Falco: Integrity -- acute, like indigestion.
J.J. Hunsecker: What does that mean -- integrity?
Sidney Falco: A pocket fulla firecrackers -- looking for a match!
Of course, having a great script is only half of it, and Lancaster and Curtis are more than capable in their delivery. Lancaster captures J.J.'s obsessive desire for control, and Curtis inhabits sleazeball Falco's 'win at any cost' mentality. The supporting cast also does a credible job forming memorable background characters for Lancaster and Curtis to play off. With a screenplay that's as dynamic as this one, and a cast that more than ably delivers, the end result is unquestionably commendable.
Ernest Lehman, famous for writing some of the most memorable screenplays in film history (most notably, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), is arguably at his best here. The direction is also flawless and the atmosphere is perfectly noir. The inclusion of this film in this list is testament enough of it's impression on me. I have nothing but accolades for this film, as it is a true representation of cinematic success!
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
The film centers around J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful newspaper columnist, who uses the power of the press to control and manipulate those around him. Tony Curtis stars as Sidney Falco, a press agent who will sink to any low in order to impress J.J. and make his way to the top. J.J., upon hearing of his sister's romantic affiliation with hot-tempered jazz singer Steve Dallas, puts Falco on the job of doing whatever he can to keep his sister away from Dallas.
Some of the most memorable scenes are those that feature Falco running around New York City in a desperate attempt to split up the pair. As the film progresses and Falco's desperation grows, the attempts become more aggressive and subtlety is thrown out the window. Almost everyone that speaks says something memorable, but unsurprisingly, the best lines are delivered by Lancaster and Curtis. For example:
J.J. Hunsecker: What's this boy got that Susie likes?
Sidney Falco: Integrity -- acute, like indigestion.
J.J. Hunsecker: What does that mean -- integrity?
Sidney Falco: A pocket fulla firecrackers -- looking for a match!
Of course, having a great script is only half of it, and Lancaster and Curtis are more than capable in their delivery. Lancaster captures J.J.'s obsessive desire for control, and Curtis inhabits sleazeball Falco's 'win at any cost' mentality. The supporting cast also does a credible job forming memorable background characters for Lancaster and Curtis to play off. With a screenplay that's as dynamic as this one, and a cast that more than ably delivers, the end result is unquestionably commendable.
Ernest Lehman, famous for writing some of the most memorable screenplays in film history (most notably, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), is arguably at his best here. The direction is also flawless and the atmosphere is perfectly noir. The inclusion of this film in this list is testament enough of it's impression on me. I have nothing but accolades for this film, as it is a true representation of cinematic success!
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Great start! J.J. Hunsecker is the bastard of all time. Tony Curtis was never better either.
ReplyDeleteYah, I think it's my favourite Curtis performance too. I never thought I could like someone so delectably sleazy :p
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