J.J. Hunsecker is Broadway’s most
powerful columnist, using unethical and unscrupulous means to keep and enforce
his influence. And yet, Hunsecker has a problem. His sister is engaged in a
romance with a jazz musician whom he does not approve. To break them up, he
employs press agent Sidney Falco – a man just as ruthless as he.
Writer-director Alexander Mackendrick
is one of the most talented filmmakers to ever emerge from Scotland’s film
studies (and British film industry). He is often overlooked in film history,
but Sweet Smell of Success is his masterpiece (and one of the best
films of the 20th Century). Mackendrick also directed Whisky Galore, The Man in the White Suit, and The Ladykillers. He worked with
composer Elmer
Bernstein (one of the best), cinematographer James Wong Howe
(whose film-noir photography in the film is exquisite), and production designer
Edward Carrere
on the film.
The film is built on its two
brilliant leading performances. Burt Lancaster
and Tony
Curtis are just so charismatically ghoulish – it is fantastic. Susan Harrison
features in support.
Sweet Smell of Success is
probably one of the best films you have never heard of blending the style of
film-noir with a narrative that does not immediately seem like it lends itself
to the genre. Yet, Falco takes on the role of the private eye and Hunsecker the
villainous mastermind behind the scenes. The film inhabits a cruel, dirty, and
treacherous world – one that is just utterly compelling. This is a must-see for
fans of the film-noir genre.
Trailer: Here
Available on: Blu-ray
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