One of the best films ever. - The Big Heat (1953) Discussion

[–] csu16387 19 years ago

Great, great film. I think The Big Heat is airing on TCM this month. Lee Marvin and Gloria Grahame are reasons alone to see this one.

"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."

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[–] ngladd-1 19 years ago

I caught it there last night. Lots of great quotable noir dialog, I may have to buy the DVD!

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[–] DoctorStrangelove 19 years ago

I liked this one OK... although it kinda felt like a TV show. I think I prefer Glen Ford in westerns.

Last Movie I Watched:
Arabesque - 6/10

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] ScarletPimpernel64 17 years ago

I too, prefer Ford in westerns, but I think this is the best film he ever made.

"So what else is on your mind besides 100 proof women, 90 proof whiskey, and 14 karat gold?"

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[–] ill_behavior 18 years ago

It's just fantastic, the pacing is brilliant and the performances are all strong, I'm really suprised it isnt name-checked more, I think it's bloody great.

I remember when all this used to be fields

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[–] billellis 18 years ago

Lots of subtle details in the second viewing too. A free ash tray to anybody who notices what almost happens to Debby as she runs down the sidewalk chasing Bannon. And a state of the art coffee grinder for idenifying the composer whose likeness is in Lagana's home office.

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[–] moors-1 18 years ago

There is much more to this movie than meets the eye.

Fritz slid some very bold themes into this film specifically around homosexuality and the power of the female.

Did you happen to notice who answered the mob boss's phone at 3am? Very subtle, but isn't it odd that a man was in his bedroom that late? Or the fact that he had a portrait of his mother in his office?

Also, Banyon never successfully contributes to the discoveries himself. Throughout the film the women are significantly smarter and carry him, while taking the brunt of the punishment.

Watch it again...I think you might see things a bit differently...

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[–] smarcusaurelius 18 years ago

I definitely noticed the gunsel who answered the phone. The real question is why is he in a bathrobe?

The details were implemented well. I'll have to watch this one again.

www.MarcusMakesMovies.blogspot.com

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[–] Hal-83 18 years ago

A free ash tray to anybody who notices what almost happens to Debby as she runs down the sidewalk chasing Bannon.

Is anyone willinging to collect their ash tray and tell me what almost happens to Debby? My interest is piqued!

That'll do, pig. That'll do.

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[–] BwlBoy 17 years ago

In terms of the genre of film noir Double Indemnity is oft quoted as the best but I believe this surpasses it, as does The Postman Always Rings Twice.

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[–] none-stop-chop 15 years ago

for what its worth, i completely disagree. i really don't think ford suits the role, and i'd much rather watch lang's earlier work; although this film has many visually beatiful moments, they don't seem to tie together.
that is just my opinion though.
:)

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Percivalx 16 years ago

Just saw it today. It's excellent!

Last Seen:
The Big Heat (1953) - 10/10

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[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 15 years ago

none-stop-chop---

Ford is perfect in the part, gives a great performance . . . marvelous filmic work . . .

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] MissBender24 15 years ago

For sure. After many views, and I feel all the characters were made for their part. Great punchy story, so noiry!

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