i love the bottom line that runs through noir films. good and bad are clearly defined and the most fun films are when 'bad' is very bad. in the best scenario, the beautiful expression 'femme fatale' can be so much more than just a girl out to do harm.
as a perfect for the job actor, robert mitchum, carries the film, 'out of the past' on his broad shoulders. spicing up the screen are solid characters with evocative names like, witt, fisher, and stephanos.
even thought the plot is basic, it took me years to actually 'get' everything in this story of a crooked rich guy who wants his baby back. he hires ex detective jeff markham, played by mitchum. all jeff has to go on is that her name is kathy. cut to mexico, days and nights of waiting for the woman he's after to make an entrance. then she does.
actress jane greer was petite with a truly gorgeous face. she was 22 when she did this movie. when 'jeff' gets his first look at her he understands plenty but not enough. take one part beauty, one part liar, and multiply it by a lot. and a pinch of victim and you get 'kathy.' she is the queen of all femme fatales, and as 'jeff' tells her when she's lying through her perfect teeth, 'baby, i don't care.' cut to water.
famous quotes abound in the best film noir ever made. everything shines and the dialogue is absolute literature.
1 comment:
divine elements of noir showcased with poster-boy.... "bad-boy" mitchum. he is one of the best at lighting and inhaling a cigarette.
long drags that allows a lapse in time for a great line to pour out of his cartoon -like mouth (Clutch Cargo circa early 70's).
jane greer is innocently beautiful! i have a new crush.
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