1955
Directed by Robert Aldrich
EWWWWWWW!!!
I thought I should be honest about my initial reaction to film, which starts out with a rather gruesome torture scene that I hope I forget soon. This is, of course, after the credits roll backwards. I knew I was in for a rather strange experience.
Mike Hammer, a tough private eye (is there any other kind?), gives a ride to a mysterious young woman. All the mystery and intrigue around this movie revolves around a shiny briefcase. Shiny briefcases are always causing trouble in movies.
This is probably one of the most disturbing film noirs I have seen. Most are fun, satisfying, and not that thought provoking. This, on the other hand, seemed like a Darren Aronofsky movie. It blows my mind that this film was made in 1955.
This movie is like a fun roller coaster that makes you sick but in the end you are still glad you went on it. But be prepared for some major grossness.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Cloris Leachman's first movie role.
The Kefauver Commission named this as the number one threat to America's youth in 1955.
This is so ultra noir that it is almost a parody. I do not remember the grossness, but the noir feeling was superb.
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