A classic... ... ... but...

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2014)

This is understandably a classic film noir. Every time I watch it, I somehow get the idea it was made in the '80s, and every time I am surprised to 'find out' it was made in the year I was born. The atmosphere of the recreated era of California is superbly done; so many shots could be paused and looked at as paintings. The story unfolds quite haphazardly, but it works, even up to the gloomy ending, which has its undeniable place and point in a (the) world where 'hierarchy' remains a key word. Faye Dunaway is the stunning femme fatale, Jack Nicholson is the reluctant but hard headed private dick, and the supporting roles, especially the one by John Huston as a way too rich and arrogant, beastly man, are more than satisfactory. And still...
I love this film, but somehow I can never get myself to give this one the full 10 out of 10. Maybe it has to do with so much 'coincidental' uncovering of so much grief and mischief by one man on such a reluctant mission...? I'm not sure. 9 out of 10 is absolutely deserved, nonetheless.