good noirsploitation

Just made up this word for the old Hollywood crime movies that took the artistry of the German expressionism to turn it into a style and a gimmick. Not complaining or anything because I love it and The Big Combo pushes it almost to the limits with its beautiful cinematography, for which the film is mostly remembered.

Other nice things are the jazzy score, well crafted scenes, the always cool to see on screen Lee Van Cleef and some good dialogue but that is to be expected, as this kind of movies heavily relied on it (not like these days - "Just make them say somehin', the FX guys will take care for the rest").

What didn't work is the super bland leading guy (as it turns out he directed the super bland PA sci-fi "No Blade of Grass") and it is just boring to watch him on the screen. The baddie played by Richard Conte totally steals the show with presence and lines. The female characters are also very shallow and bland, only Rita has color. The story loses some steam in the middle but I liked some of the turns it takes and overall it is satisfactory.

7/10