I just saw it and I have to say it's really like no film I've ever seen before. Style-wise, it still seems as fresh today as it did 50 years ago. Not only is it a great example of film noir, but I believe the movie transcends that genre. While it's set up like a noir film, I believe its trying to say something greater concerning the Cold War and the A-Bomb. While i love the film noir genre, which has created some of this country's greatest art, usually our detective "hero" uncovers a plot involving murder, blackmail or deception with the catalyst being simple human emotions like greed and lust.
While the character motivations are similar, primarily Hammer's own greed, the end result is something far more darker than just an insurance fraud (Double Indemnity) or climbing the social ladder(Farewell, My Lovely). At the bottom of Hammer's detective work lies nuclear annihilation.
The violence in this movie is pretty graphic for its time, such as when Hammer knocks a thug's head repeatedly against a wall or slams a desk drawer on someone's hand. The movie also oozes sex. Its interesting to note that Hammer repeatedly turns down women's advances. His primary motivation is greed.
I could go on and on about this movie, but I really believe this is a truly great, original movie. 10 out of 10
While the character motivations are similar, primarily Hammer's own greed, the end result is something far more darker than just an insurance fraud (Double Indemnity) or climbing the social ladder(Farewell, My Lovely). At the bottom of Hammer's detective work lies nuclear annihilation.
The violence in this movie is pretty graphic for its time, such as when Hammer knocks a thug's head repeatedly against a wall or slams a desk drawer on someone's hand. The movie also oozes sex. Its interesting to note that Hammer repeatedly turns down women's advances. His primary motivation is greed.
I could go on and on about this movie, but I really believe this is a truly great, original movie. 10 out of 10