It's film noir time once again on the 1001 Movie Club, a genre I've never been too interested in venturing into before prior to these last two selections. Once again I don't necessarily see the classic value of a film such as this in the grand scheme of film, but possibly in the film noir genre The Asphalt Jungle is a shining diamond.
The Asphalt Jungle is the story of a group of low totem criminals who team up under the leadership of professional Doce Erwin, who was recently released from prison. The heist is to steal half a million dollars in diamonds and then sell them to a local big wig lawyer and secret criminal Mr. Emmerich. What they don't know is Emmerich is completely broke and plans to double cross them, hoping they'll hand over the goods while he spends a couple days gathering the money (when in realty he'll simply run off with the loot). But what they're all about to find out is how easily plans can go completely sour, for both sides, as they all end up as casualties of the asphalt jungle.
As last weeks film, The Third Man, I don't feel much different with The Asphalt Jungle which in terms of major differences doesn't mess around with artsy shots and the acting is a lot worse. The Asphalt Jungle gives some true stereotypical noir style over-acting, brought forth mainly by two of the main characters Dix Handley and his girl Doll Conovan, who manage to spew multiple corny one liners that have become the basis of most noir spoofing. Throw in the mildly amusing open hand slapping by a crooked cop on a bookie, and a surprisingly good performance by Marilyn Monroe and you have The Asphalt Jungle.
Overall, The Asphalt Jungle is another average "classic" in my opinon, a little slow, a little wordy, and a little overly corny for a more serious film. Dix and Doll are truly out of place characters in this crime thriller, it's as if they auditioned for Gone With the Wind and got cast as fillers in this film instead. Everyone else gives mediocre to average performances, with again Monroe surprisingly topping them all. I've never actually sat through a Marilyn Monroe film before, but I've always seen her as the Megan Fox of the 1950's, here she holds her own. Whether that's a testament to her talent or the lack of talent in the rest of the cast it's your decision, but for me the film as a whole is another average crime film with a predictable conclusion.
7/10
I have wanted to watch this for years - but also have so-o-o-o many other films to watch!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you enjoyed it to some extent though!
Simon
It's hard to watch films like this today with anything but an objective eye. We've been so saturated with rehashing of rehashing of rehashings of these stories that no old film will ever be unpredictable again.
ReplyDeleteMy first viewing of this film I was underwhelmed as well, but after seeing a lot of Huston's other work, I revisited this and came out with a completely different experience.
It's also an unusual release for the usually family friendly MGM.
@thisguy - yea some of these more simple stories are a little underwhelming because by 2010 they've been repackaged multiple times over. That's why in terms of older film I really enjoy Hitchcock, his films are not something that's easy to duplicate.
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