This movie is a classic noir for good reason. It’s a straightforward plot with the real draw being the outstanding acting and dialogue.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Postman Always Rings Twice by way of Sunset Blvd.
Setting: Noir
Plot: Noir
Tone: Noir
This movie is riding the coattails of the more famous members of its cast, namely Orson Welles and Edward G Robinson. While it’s always fun to see the sleuth try to corner his elusive prey, everyone is turning in fine but uninspired performances. It’s a good addition for the watchlist of anyone who enjoys a good noir, and you’ll have a good, if relatively unmemorable, time.
Closest comparison: It’s like Night of the Hunter by way of The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Setting: Drama
Plot: Thriller
Tone: Thriller
This movie is a stock Noir genre title, not great and not terrible. The tension, story, and even delivery are all uninspired. Even bankable stars like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Becall, and Edward G. Robinson are phoning it in.
Closest comparison: It’s like a much tamer Funny Games by way of To Have and Have Not.
Setting: Adventure
Plot: Thriller
Tone: Thriller
This movie is a character drama that starts off promising but loses the plot. It’s too pointless to be a classic, though the production values are there for it, and everyone’s acting chops are wasted on a washout script.
Closest comparison: It’s like Rounders by way of The Graduate.
Setting: Gambling
Plot: Gambling
Tone: Drama
This movie is a solid noir, though more of a drama than a thriller like many of its contemporaries. It exchanges much of the standard sordid noir material for a tragic scam gone awry. The main characters are more sympathetic than good, and it ultimately amounts more to a cautionary tale than thriller or adventure.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Woman in the Window by way of Detour.
Setting: Drama
Plot: Mistaken Identity
Tone: Noir
This film noir centerpiece is a fascinating address of human psyche and the question of morality in the face of an imperfect justice system. It has all the hallmarks of the noir genre, including a male lead that wanders just beyond the line of morality and a will-they-won’t-they femme fatale. It’s equal parts crime drama, tawdry mess, and frank morality play. This movie shines in its clever plot by letting the audience in on the characters’ dualities to ratchet up the tension, paying off initial setups like gangbusters. If you’re a fan of film noir, this is a must-watch.
Closest comparison: It’s like It’s A Wonderful Life by way of Little Caesar (1939).
Setting: Noir
Plot: Cover-up
Tone: Thriller
