MovieChat Forums > Sweet Smell of Success (1957) Discussion > Less than 2,000 votes

Less than 2,000 votes

posted 20 years ago by antwalsh
9 replies | jump to latest

I'm amazed that this film has received so few votes. I thought it was a lot more famous and well watched than that.

Have just seen it again and it remains as one of my favourite movies of all time.

[–] CHARLIE-89 20 years ago

It's definitely one of the most well-crafted films of its decade, or really of all time, in my opinion. The two lead performances plus that amazing script make for one of the most memorable films I've seen in several years. It really leaves an impression on you.
Why isn't it viewed more often? I think it has something to do with the availability. It doesn't turn up on TV very much and I had a really hard time finding the DVD even. But I'm glad that I did. I think this film still can hold quite a grip on modern audiences, its just so unrelenting and powerful. Probably Tony Curtis' best role.

[–] twm-2 20 years ago

Well, it has a bit over 2,000 now. Actually, I'm surprised it has that many. Consider:

1) It's an "old" film that no one these days could relate to (I don't agree, but this is what many would say).

2) It's in B & W--a real turn-off for many, though I find the cinematography in this one as great as in any other film!

3) Didn't get a single (!) Oscar nomination.

4) The story is a downer. No happy ending here.

So, I'm pleased it's garnered as many votes as it has--and ranked fairly high also (8.1, which would put it in the top 100 if it had a thousand more votes). Cheerio!

"I'm a lover of beauty--and a beauty of a lover!"--The Court Jester

[–] chconnol 19 years ago

4) The story is a downer. No happy ending here.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....I agree with you (basically) on your other points but not this one. Maybe it's not a super happy ending but more of a dark "happy" ending.

In the end, Susan gets away and gets her revenge in a passive/agressive way. And I assume she goes off with her boyfriend. J.J. loses her forever and Sidney gets the sh*t beaten out of him and you know he's out of the business forever.

I've read that the film did not do well at the box office but was generally well received by the critics. I can see why this film's dark, gritty atmosphere would turn off audiences at the time. Today, it's a masterpiece.

[–] shutterbug_iconium 16 years ago

twm-2

The movie has 5,319 votes as of 03-06-2008. more 3000 votes. It has been on again off again top 250 movie. Sometimes it takes place between the 240-250 but it does not stay in there. 1000 votes are not the only factor for a movie to stay put in top 250 or 100.
Anyway I liked your reasoning why it had so few votes.

http://dhost.info/elts/index.php

[–] twm-2 16 years ago

Yup! Since my comments over three years ago, the word has gotten out about this film and over 3,000 votes have been added to the roll. Still a long, long, way from approaching the numbers for The Return of the King, but a high-quality "adult" film made in B & W will never receive those kind of numbers, alas.

Fighting for Truth, Justice, and making it the American way.

[–] qrter 20 years ago

it is a shame, yes.

but it's a film from the 50s and as far as I know not THAT well known. a shame nonetheless.

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Strpak47 19 years ago

I just saw this movie on PBS less than a half hour ago.
Burt and Tony stole this movie!!

[–] billbraski 19 years ago

I just saw it too on PBS. Great movie. My favorite line was "You're giving me 4 day old fish. I'm not buying it!"