Plot
This summer, I had the pleasure of watching some of the most exciting and thrilling movies released. From suspenseful psychological thrillers to fast-paced action-packed thrillers, I had my fill of thrills and edge-of-the-seat moments. One of the most memorable and gripping thrillers I watched was the classic ‘The Big Sleep’ starring Humphrey Bogart. The beloved classic is a gangster film set in the 1930s and follows the machinations of a private detective named Philip Marlowe. Marlowe is hired to investigate a love triangle between an aging millionaire, his two daughters, and his doomed socialite fiancée. The movie opens with Marlowe being sent to a nightclub, where he begins to unravel the complex web of lies, blackmail, and betrayal. From there, the thrilling plot unfolds, with Marlowe uncovering one shocking revelation after another as the story progresses. The Big Sleep is a classic thriller that captures the essence of a great thriller.
Realism
The realism of this thriller makes it highly engaging. The movie is set in a believable and realistic world, with the characters exhibiting their own motivations, flaws and desires. This ensures that the audience is invested in the story and has an emotional connection to the characters. In addition, the movie was based on Raymond Chandler’s novel of the same title and its screenplay was written by members of the Writers Guild of America. This ensures that the realism of the movie is combined with intelligent dialogue and quality writing. Furthermore, Bogart and the other actors bring the characters to life with their performances, adding further depth and substance to the production.
Suspense
The movie also succeeds in bringing suspense to the story. This ultimately leads to the dramatic conclusion of the movie. The use of music, sound effects, and clever editing create a tension-filled atmosphere, drawing the audience further into the story. The suspeenseful scenes are often offset with comedic scenes, providing moments of levity and keeping the audience on the edge of their seat throughout. In addition, the movie uses camera angles, close-ups and zooms to add to the suspense. The cinematography of the movie is also a standout, with its use of dark and atmospheric lighting providing an eery and mysterious atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Big Sleep is a classic thriller and showcases the aspects of a great thriller. Its realism, combined with its suspenseful elements, make it an intriguing and engaging production. The performances of the cast, coupled with the excellent cinematography and editing, complete this masterpiece. This thrilling movie was a great end to my viewing experience this summer.
Surprise Plot Twists
The Big Sleep contains numerous plot twists that add an exciting and unpredictable element to the story. These satisfy the expectations of the audience, who are keen for unexpected reveals or outcomes during the movie. Halfway through the story, there are some dramatic plot twists that were not anticipated and kept the audience engaged until the very end. The believability of these plot twists helps to make the movie even more engrossing as the audience is left guessing what will happen next.
Character Development
The characters in the movie are well-written and vividly portrayed. Marlowe is a complicated character with a mysterious past, while all of the other characters are worked into the movie with a peculiar blend of motivation, flaws, wants and deeper secrets. This is all done in a way that doesn’t feel forced or contrived, leaving the audience intrigued as to what each character’s intentions are. In addition, the dialogue between characters and the clever use of motivations drive the story forward, making it more believable and captivating.
Timely Accolades
The Big Sleep has been praised from the time it first came out. It won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film in 1946 and was nominated for several other awards. In addition, Bogart’s performance as Marlowe was widely praised and cited by many as one of his best. Critics have also praised the movie’s pacing and writing. All these accolades are well-deserved as The Big Sleep is an iconic thriller.
Opening Sequence
The opening sequence of The Big Sleep sets the tone for the entire movie. Marlowe is first introduced upon entering the nightclub and is immediately thrown into this mysterious and uncertain world. The opening sequence also sets up the plot and introduces the characters, helping to further engage the audience. The camera angles, lighting, and editing throughout this scene help to create an unsettled atmosphere, and in turn build anticipation throughout the rest of the movie.
Clif-hanger Ending
The Big Sleep ends in true thriller fashion with a notable climax and clif-hanger ending. There are some shocking reveals and surprises, followed by a dramatic and intense conclusion. The movie leaves the audience with questions and unresolved issues, leaving them wanting more and making it highly memorable.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of The Big Sleep is an important contributing element to the unsettling atmosphere of the movie. There are slow and eerie tones which heighten the suspense during certain scenes. The orchestra swells at critical moments and adds intensity to the scenes. Additionally, the musical score reflects the emotions in the movie, further immersing the audience in Marlowe’s journey.
Theme
Throughout the movie, there is an overarching theme of good vs evil. Marlowe is the protagonist and is tasked with uncovering the truth and justice despite the morally ambiguous and dangerous circumstances. His mission is to fight for the ‘good’, which creates an emotional connection between him and the audience. As the story progresses, Marlowe goes up against dangerous and powerful forces, making it a true thriller.
Performance Innovations
Bogart’s performance as Marlowe is highly acclaimed, demonstrating his talent and physical range. His delivery of the complicated dialogue and ability to create emotionally invested moments offer a unique and powerful performance. Bogart’s facial expressions, especially his frowning and slouching, solidified him as one of the finest actors of the time. His performance in this movie is considered one of his finest and earned him consecutive Oscar nominations.
Reception
The movie received widespread acclaim when it was released in 1946 and continues to be widely praised today. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time, with the American Film Institute ranking it as the 143rd greatest movie of all time in their annual ranking. Its gripping plot, realistic characters and lasting themes are just some of the reasons this movie is cited as one of the greatest thrillers of all time.
