Monday, July 31, 2006
VIPERS
Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was John Huston's take on Dashiell Hammett's novel
It is such a classic that any discussion comes up wanting.
But, Ebert does a very good essay at the link.
This film moves. You have to pay attention.
The talk is fast and blunt and the plot, while a bit complex, unrolls in a non-linear way. We are taken over the circumstances over and over. And it is not in any way boring.
The acting is superb. Here we have Bogart, Lorre, Astor, and Greenstreet. Only Elijah Wood Jr. (the 'boy' or gunsel) is missing.
It was great to see it again. I think it would be the fourth or fifth time for me.
I always 'forget' how it works and so I am surprised by what happens; again and again and again.
This is the sign of a great film. It is not dulled by repetition.
It is so a 5 out of Netflix5 that I can hardly wait to give it the rating!
