MovieChat Forums > The Big Heat (1953) Discussion > Not that great

Not that great

posted 16 years ago by YellowManReanimated
11 replies | jump to latest

I'm seeing a lot of love for this film on the boards but I've gotta say that I wasn't really particularly impressed with it. Found it a little trite and tedious to be honest with you. Wasn't really impressed with the acting or the writing, Glen Ford is just not that great of an actor. I thought the direction and mise en scene to flow quite gracefully, up until the last scene anyway which seemed scrappily choreographed, but, apart from that, there was little of the genius that created Metropolis and M on show here.

So whatever, never mind

[–] GundersonRocks 15 years ago

No offense, but I simply don't see the point in people making posts like this. Specific examples are never provided, so how is anyone supposed to respond? Quite honestly, after reading what you wrote, all I can think to say is: "Okay...?"

My Signature: None of us is as dumb as all of us.

[–] ian_buchan 14 years ago

I agree with the original poster.
Glenn Ford's eternal grin marred this noir.

[–] CopOnTheEdge 14 years ago

Got to agree with the OP, I wasn't that impressed. Thought some of the acting was really shoddy.

Nowhere near the brilliance of The Big Sleep.

You threw a monkey in the sea?

[–] balthazar_bee 13 years ago

The Big Heat is boss. You all cuh-wAAAAAzy. In my humble opinion, of course.

Someday I'll find a great movie with a message board that doesn't contain a "Not that great" thread. Someday.

[–] fiore2 13 years ago

"Someday I'll find a great movie with a message board that doesn't contain a "Not that great" thread. Someday."

NEVER LOL

[–] MissMargoChanning 11 years ago

The point of these types of threads is possibly for others who do not care for the film to discuss why they don't care for it?

We people who did like the film do not have to participate on this thread. there are dozens of other threads here where you can discuss why you like it.

I liked this film but I respect the opinion of the OP. Everyone's tastes are different.

"Fasten your seat belts!
It's going to be a bumpy night!"

[–] nu_riot 12 years ago

Okay...?

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[–] Laura_848 10 years ago

well I do think House By The River, and Scarlet Street are better films.
They were more 'Lang-ish'. The Big Heat was less stylish. Sort of paint by numbers noir.

I do enjoy it, but don't think it's the best of Fritz Lang.

Boiling coffee to G.G.'s face is classic!

[–] SamoanJoes 10 years ago

Glenn Ford's reaction to his wife's death was laughable. She dies in the explosion and in the very next scene is is completely fine.

[–] jadedbaby 9 years ago

I agree that just saying "not that great" is pointless without specific criticisms. Here's one thing that bugged me: I didn't really buy Glenn Ford beating up who were bigger than him, knocking them across the room. That made it a bit hard to suspend disbelief. Also Ford is a bit wooden. Gloria Graham stole the movie along with Lee Marvin.

[–] Trax-3 8 years ago

I thought his film was a perfect little diamond. Almost flawless. I might give it 10/10 eventually (I'll never hand that out on a first viewing) and I'm very stingy with 10s.