This post-film noir flick is nothing short of awesome. Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster are electrifying as an employer and employee in a tale of greed and blackmail. In the backdrop is a glamorous setting of yesteryear. There is no beating this type of elegance from the 50s.
Tony Curtis gives his best performance (other than "Some Like It Hot") as press agent, Sidney Falco. Living in the Big Apple and working for the New York Globe, blackmail, exploitation, and empty promises are just some of his tactics in how he makes his living. His latest mission is to break up his boss' (Burt Lancaster) sister's relationship with a jazz guitarist. Initially, Sidney is fine with it. He figures a simple job to brown nose his boss would help his career. Problem is, they are madly in love and Sidney can't do much to stop it. He is torn between doing a favour for his boss and meddling in a private affair.
Burt Lancaster is one of America's top villains: JJ Hundacker. Great sympathy is gained towards this bad guy-a sign of great writing. He loves his sister but it is a little unclear as to why he is so dead-set on breaking her up with the guitarist. Whatever, that's a minor flaw.
JJ's sister is Susan. She just wants to do right by all. The opposite of her brother, this caring woman really wants to marry the guitarist (whose name is Steve Dallas).
We are introduced to a variety of characters that are interesting. Most are memorable; victims of Sidney and JJ's sleaze.
Sidney reluctantly helping JJ break up Susan and Steve is exciting and unpredictable. This plot is highly original and executed in clever ways.
Here is a truly great movie.
4/4.
Tony Curtis gives his best performance (other than "Some Like It Hot") as press agent, Sidney Falco. Living in the Big Apple and working for the New York Globe, blackmail, exploitation, and empty promises are just some of his tactics in how he makes his living. His latest mission is to break up his boss' (Burt Lancaster) sister's relationship with a jazz guitarist. Initially, Sidney is fine with it. He figures a simple job to brown nose his boss would help his career. Problem is, they are madly in love and Sidney can't do much to stop it. He is torn between doing a favour for his boss and meddling in a private affair.
Burt Lancaster is one of America's top villains: JJ Hundacker. Great sympathy is gained towards this bad guy-a sign of great writing. He loves his sister but it is a little unclear as to why he is so dead-set on breaking her up with the guitarist. Whatever, that's a minor flaw.
JJ's sister is Susan. She just wants to do right by all. The opposite of her brother, this caring woman really wants to marry the guitarist (whose name is Steve Dallas).
We are introduced to a variety of characters that are interesting. Most are memorable; victims of Sidney and JJ's sleaze.
Sidney reluctantly helping JJ break up Susan and Steve is exciting and unpredictable. This plot is highly original and executed in clever ways.
Here is a truly great movie.
4/4.