One of the most underrated performances of the film is the opening sequence with Morris The Cat. Morris plays the role of the disinterested and picky feline to the tee, while also showering Marlowe with faux affection. This would lead to Morris's run as the spokescat for 9 Lives and go down as one of the most iconic cats in American culture. Morris would make one more appearance on the big screen in "Shamus" with Burt Reynolds.
Great analysis. I just watched the film again for the second time. I read a few of Chandler's Marlowe novels a few years ago, and The Long Goodbye was my favourite. I feel the film portrayed Phillip Marlowe's complex nature very accurately - his disinterested, detached, whimsical approach (the clown), protecting a deeply moral and empathetic core. In the novel (as I recall) Marlowe feels acute disappointment in, and betrayal by, Lennox. The film did not quite convey the depth of feeling Marlowe holds for Lennox in the beginning that is present in the novel. Lennox is incredibly charming, but troubled, and Marlowe is caught up on his charm. Marlowe's cynicism is really just affect, and Lennox is able to break through it. He preys upon Marlowe's deep desire to *not* be totally disappointed humanity. This really fills in Marlowe's motivation to seek the truth about Lennox's apparent suicide. Interestingly Lennox plays a male version the 'femme fatale' role in Chandlers other novels, although the relationship is not overtly sexual. I think this may explain why the screenwriter chose to break from the novel by having Marlowe kill Lennox. It shows Marlowe's inner feelings, which of course is so hard to portray in the medium. Both the film and the novel are wonderful in my opinion. I liked your contextual information and analysis. As an afterthought if the 'Big Sleep' is death then 'The Long Goodbye' can be interpreted as life, from a cynical mindset .
The metaphysics of nam sure . proper hardboiled noir in the 70s Drowning Pool . The Killers /Lee Marvin is always used as the end of classic noir . But this film was more than style as you say may be it is as good as China Town - but elusively so .
yes! i am taking an inexpensive online Neo Noir class, and this week we are to see this film and Night Moves. I rented it, saw one hour of it, hated it, and forgot about my Amazon 48 hour period. But I agree with your trope and nonsense comments. I hate to spend another $4 on it so I can see the last hour. i think the critic on this RUclips entry is overblowing the themes, inflating it beyond its worth. So I agree with you.
One of the most underrated performances of the film is the opening sequence with Morris The Cat. Morris plays the role of the disinterested and picky feline to the tee, while also showering Marlowe with faux affection. This would lead to Morris's run as the spokescat for 9 Lives and go down as one of the most iconic cats in American culture. Morris would make one more appearance on the big screen in "Shamus" with Burt Reynolds.
Great analysis. I just watched the film again for the second time.
I read a few of Chandler's Marlowe novels a few years ago, and The Long Goodbye was my favourite. I feel the film portrayed Phillip Marlowe's complex nature very accurately - his disinterested, detached, whimsical approach (the clown), protecting a deeply moral and empathetic core.
In the novel (as I recall) Marlowe feels acute disappointment in, and betrayal by, Lennox. The film did not quite convey the depth of feeling Marlowe holds for Lennox in the beginning that is present in the novel. Lennox is incredibly charming, but troubled, and Marlowe is caught up on his charm. Marlowe's cynicism is really just affect, and Lennox is able to break through it. He preys upon Marlowe's deep desire to *not* be totally disappointed humanity.
This really fills in Marlowe's motivation to seek the truth about Lennox's apparent suicide. Interestingly Lennox plays a male version the 'femme fatale' role in Chandlers other novels, although the relationship is not overtly sexual.
I think this may explain why the screenwriter chose to break from the novel by having Marlowe kill Lennox. It shows Marlowe's inner feelings, which of course is so hard to portray in the medium.
Both the film and the novel are wonderful in my opinion. I liked your contextual information and analysis.
As an afterthought if the 'Big Sleep' is death then 'The Long Goodbye' can be interpreted as life, from a cynical mindset .
I hated the movie, especially the ending, feels rather emotional, irresponsible, and lazy. Love the book though.
And it happens every day..
Chinatown 1974 deals with similar themes of darkness and moral decay.
The metaphysics of nam sure . proper hardboiled noir in the 70s Drowning Pool . The Killers /Lee Marvin is always used as the end of classic noir . But this film was more than style as you say may be it is as good as China Town - but elusively so .
so this is what monicas dad did before he got married
Lol
just when I think im done with Criterion- they bring me back in with something like this- I'm scrambling to get this one
I am not sponsored by Criterion, sadly!!
This was a good analysis, although a little disjointed. But it sounds like Lawrence Welk is doing the narration.
For my money, Marlowe will always be Dick Powell>
Sterling Hayden's the only thing worth watching in this mess of a film, chock full of tropes and nonsense.
Nah everything about it is great
yes! i am taking an inexpensive online Neo Noir class, and this week we are to see this film and Night Moves. I rented it, saw one hour of it, hated it, and forgot about my Amazon 48 hour period. But I agree with your trope and nonsense comments. I hate to spend another $4 on it so I can see the last hour. i think the critic on this RUclips entry is overblowing the themes, inflating it beyond its worth. So I agree with you.
Groovy!