JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Kiss Me Deadly
Director: Robert Aldrich
DVD Cover
Writer:Mickey Spillane and A I Bezzerides
Starring:Ralph Meeker, Albert Decker, Paul Stewart, Marion Carr
Length:101 mins
“What's this all about? I'll make a quick guess. You were out with some guy who thought "no" was a three-letter word. I should have thrown you off that cliff back there. I might still do it. Where are ya headed?”-Mike Hammer
Directed by the bullet chewing Robert Aldrich (The Dirty Dozen, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, Flight of the Phoenix) this brutal noir classic was quickly snubbed at the time of release as callous and mean-spirited. What it actually was is ahead of its time.
Opening in the dark of night, a set of female gams are fleeing barefoot down the middle of the road. Frantic the platinum blonde throws herself in front of uber tough guy Mike Hammer’s sports car.
Cue the sounds of icy cool jazz and to the strains of the exhausted woman panting, the mood setting opening credits begin to roll. A sucker for a dame, P.I Hammer helps her and is abruptly thrust into the grimy underbelly of Los Angeles.
A world full of scum bags, assassins and government agents. Violent and matter of fact, vicious torture, drug addiction and prostitution are all part of the backdrop. The twist filled plot still feels fresh and the story builds to one of the most debated finales in cinema history.
“The head of Medusa. That's what's in the box, and who looks on her will be changed not into stone but into brimstone and ashes. But of course you wouldn't believe me, you'd have to see for yourself, wouldn't you?”
John Doe says: (9/10)
Demanding undivided attention, and getting it, ever since I was a kid I’ve loved this style of movie. With atmospheric B&W cinematography, tough guys who sprout loaded dialogue and surprises around every dark alley corner.
Defining cinematic cool, every line is a keeper. The cinematography and music combine to create a threatening atmosphere that is palpable. The tight script has more turns than that street in San Francisco and unfolds into one hell of a satisfying yarn.
The under used Ralph Meeker (Paths Of Glory) is perfect as Mickey Spillane’s, the hard bitten detective who must stay alive and solve the mystery. The striving supporting cast all become memorable characters regardless of there screen time, its one of those movies where even the most insignificant player is a key to keeping up with the story.
This film provided Quentin Tarantino with the idea for the enigmatic suitcase in Pulp Fiction. Its place firmly cemented in the echelon of superior crime thrillers Kiss Me Deadly is a must see for fans of noir, a good story and daring filmmaking.
The DVD:
Presented in Widescreen with a mono soundtrack, Credit where credits due. You actually get both versions of this film on the disc.
For years the ambiguus ending felt abrupt, now with the restored footage inserted we finally see the film as was always intended. A commentary and making of would have been nice but the inclusion of the uncut edit is enough to make this a quality package.
Starring:Ralph Meeker, Albert Decker, Paul Stewart, Marion Carr
“What's this all about? I'll make a quick guess. You were out with some guy who thought "no" was a three-letter word. I should have thrown you off that cliff back there. I might still do it. Where are ya headed?”-Mike Hammer
Directed by the bullet chewing Robert Aldrich (The Dirty Dozen, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, Flight of the Phoenix) this brutal noir classic was quickly snubbed at the time of release as callous and mean-spirited. What it actually was is ahead of its time.
Opening in the dark of night, a set of female gams are fleeing barefoot down the middle of the road. Frantic the platinum blonde throws herself in front of uber tough guy Mike Hammer’s sports car.
Cue the sounds of icy cool jazz and to the strains of the exhausted woman panting, the mood setting opening credits begin to roll. A sucker for a dame, P.I Hammer helps her and is abruptly thrust into the grimy underbelly of Los Angeles.
A world full of scum bags, assassins and government agents. Violent and matter of fact, vicious torture, drug addiction and prostitution are all part of the backdrop. The twist filled plot still feels fresh and the story builds to one of the most debated finales in cinema history.
“The head of Medusa. That's what's in the box, and who looks on her will be changed not into stone but into brimstone and ashes. But of course you wouldn't believe me, you'd have to see for yourself, wouldn't you?”
John Doe says: (9/10)
Demanding undivided attention, and getting it, ever since I was a kid I’ve loved this style of movie. With atmospheric B&W cinematography, tough guys who sprout loaded dialogue and surprises around every dark alley corner.
Defining cinematic cool, every line is a keeper. The cinematography and music combine to create a threatening atmosphere that is palpable. The tight script has more turns than that street in San Francisco and unfolds into one hell of a satisfying yarn.
The under used Ralph Meeker (Paths Of Glory) is perfect as Mickey Spillane’s, the hard bitten detective who must stay alive and solve the mystery. The striving supporting cast all become memorable characters regardless of there screen time, its one of those movies where even the most insignificant player is a key to keeping up with the story.
This film provided Quentin Tarantino with the idea for the enigmatic suitcase in Pulp Fiction. Its place firmly cemented in the echelon of superior crime thrillers Kiss Me Deadly is a must see for fans of noir, a good story and daring filmmaking.
The DVD:
Presented in Widescreen with a mono soundtrack, Credit where credits due. You actually get both versions of this film on the disc.
For years the ambiguus ending felt abrupt, now with the restored footage inserted we finally see the film as was always intended. A commentary and making of would have been nice but the inclusion of the uncut edit is enough to make this a quality package.
"Whats In The Box. Whats In The Box?"
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Your comment seems to have slipped by me, but I have to say i love not knowing exactly whats in the box...unless naturally it is Gwyneth Paltrow's head