All the elements of film noir established here may well have been replicated in countless other films, but this is the one that set the standard and what is much more difficult to replicate in all those other film is the cracking script here which never puts a foot wrong and the performances by the three main actors within the film. Every scene played between these three is so good that they tend to overshadow any other element within the film. MacMurray's narration immediately sets the tone and the intrigue here is in the details of exactly what happened. It is his tone of regret in the voiceover that helps to keep the audience on the character's side, despite his actions, but equally builds tension into exactly how things will fall apart. Stanwyck is riveting in the film, the nature of her character becoming ever clearer as the film progresses and she plays her character perfectly. (Wilder's focus on her face during the central murder of the film is inspired). And Robinson lends some welcome warmth and humour to his character that help to bring some balance to the dark and seedy nature of the rest of the film. Great film!
Review by Simon MasseyVIP 11BlockedParent2014-07-26T01:28:45Z
All the elements of film noir established here may well have been replicated in countless other films, but this is the one that set the standard and what is much more difficult to replicate in all those other film is the cracking script here which never puts a foot wrong and the performances by the three main actors within the film. Every scene played between these three is so good that they tend to overshadow any other element within the film. MacMurray's narration immediately sets the tone and the intrigue here is in the details of exactly what happened. It is his tone of regret in the voiceover that helps to keep the audience on the character's side, despite his actions, but equally builds tension into exactly how things will fall apart. Stanwyck is riveting in the film, the nature of her character becoming ever clearer as the film progresses and she plays her character perfectly. (Wilder's focus on her face during the central murder of the film is inspired). And Robinson lends some welcome warmth and humour to his character that help to bring some balance to the dark and seedy nature of the rest of the film. Great film!