Maltese Falcon Movie Review
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The Maltese Falcon is one of the greatest films ever made. I’ve seen it at least 20 times. Always fresh. Always nuanced.
This is indeed one of the best and most enjoyable movies of all time. I can’t wait to watch it for the two hundredth time. . Bogart was superb at his rapid fire best, with Mary Astor setting the STANDARD for manipulative femme fatales for all time. The old dependable Jerome Cowan, as Miles Archer, his terrificly smarmy self. John Huston’s direct was perfection. Peter Lorre as the little gay charactor – spot on! They all gave bravura performances in this Dashiell Hammitt ‘Hard Boiled’ mystery story. Think ‘The Family Guy’s’ parody of “Fast Talking High Pants”. That really encapsulates the essence of this film noir classic.
the-maltese-falcon-review
Great Writing and Famous lines
The slapping line after Mary Astor slaps, Lorre…. The writing is phenomenal. Bogart to Elisha Cook – ” People lose teeth talking like that. “ Bogart to Ward Bond – ” It’s the stuff dreams are made of. “ Virtually every line of Greenstreet’s dialogue. Bogart’s scene with Peter Lorre when in the face, grins, and says, “When you’re slapped, you’ll take it and like it” is one of the most real and believable tough guy lines in movie history. And, only these great players could give those great lines the delivery they deserved. No question about Hammet’s original writing, and Huston’s screenplay.
When he confronts Mary Astor initially he’s a bit desperate on trying to get her story straight before the cops come. He wants to believe that she didn’t kill his partner, but with disgust at himself and definately at her, he has to admit that she killed his partner. And, with pain, he knows that he couldn’t settle down with someone who did that especially since she can’t be trusted. And he tells her that straight out.
I really think that Sam Spade’s “acting” and “dishonesty” are what tie the story together. It’s what makes the ending palpable. She’s been doing the same thing, “lying to everyone.” And how can he live with a person who does that continually (and on a more ugly scale.)
They are both motivated by fear. They’re beyond their limits, but good at “playing cool” beyond their limits. After most of the major confrontations, Sam Spade checks in with himself, sees his hands shaking, or laughs smuggly at how he’s played others. There’s something dark in this way of life. and at the end of the movie it all returns home. Really, all you Bogart fans certainly need to re-evaluate this film. CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD!!! Doesn’t get any better than this for this particular genre. Outstanding movie!