Is it everyone's dream to be a 1940s big-city detective, or just me?
Okay, yeah, probably just me.
The Big Sleep
The crime-fighting antihero we see in today’s movies owes much to characters like the no-nonsense private investigator in the film we’re about to discuss. The Big Sleep (1946), directed by Howard Hawks, features Philip Marlowe, played by Humphrey Bogart, patrolling the empty streets of Los Angeles on what initially seems to be a straightforward missing-person case. The next two hours are filled with twists, turns, and, of course, some not-so-surprising backstabs. This seemingly standard plot was revolutionary for its time and, more importantly, paved the way for the antihero archetype.
Side note: The recent Deadpool movie shows just how similar today’s flawed heroes are to those from this “Golden Age” of cinema—even with 80 years of film history between them. Both Deadpool and Philip Marlowe are deeply flawed characters you can’t help but root for.
The Detective
Humphrey’s character in The Big Sleep is similar to other strong, silent types he’s played. Marlowe is calm, calculated, and approaches situations with a level head, usually outsmarting his opponents. He also gets the girl—or rather, multiple girls (remember, deeply flawed). One of these is the love interest Vivian, played by Lauren Bacall, whom Humphrey actually married in real life.
The Scene of Scenes
One of the best scenes showcasing Detective Marlowe’s character is the bookstore scene about 30 minutes in. Here’s the setup: there’s a bookstore in town that acts as a front for some shady business connected to a murder case he’s investigating. So, Marlowe goes to check it out. Then, he visits another bookstore across the street to question someone there. In about two minutes, he manages to charm this woman into having a drink with him and spilling details about the owner of the fake bookstore. What makes this impressive is Marlowe’s approach; he’s not a smooth talker but is rather blunt and a bit awkward. He’s upfront about his intentions, which, surprisingly, this woman finds attractive. The fact that he’s able to “mumble” his way into getting confidential information out of someone presented as intelligent and strong-headed is fascinating, to say the least.
[Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Marlyn Monroe]
Off-Screen Shenanigans
What’s Hollywood without a touch of alcoholism and some light scandal?
Humphrey Bogart, like many lead actors of his time, was known not only for his performances but also for his drinking. This likely played a role in his love affair with co-star Lauren Bacall, which culminated in his divorce from his then-wife and a marriage to Bacall on a farm in Ohio.
This is one reason why I find this period in Hollywood so intriguing. The U.S. had stepped into a so-called Golden Age of media and leisure, yet the era was still rife with some of humanity’s most toxic traits. This juxtaposition is something The Big Sleep and many films from that era capture well.
My Recommendation
Movies from this period often suffer from slow plots or outdated techniques like voice dubbing, but The Big Sleep is packed with action and boasts a compelling main character that keeps you engaged throughout its two-hour runtime.
One common critique of these old movies that sometimes turns movie lovers away is the acting style. Films from this time often had actors performing in a more theatrical, emotion-driven manner, which can feel exaggerated compared to today’s grounded and relatable performances. Keeping this difference in mind can help in understanding why some characters come off as “extra.” Even so, Bogart’s tough-guy persona remains unaffected by his supporting cast’s performances.
If you made it all the way here, thank you :) Now, go watch The Big Sleep to get a glimpse of this so-called “Golden Age” through the lens of a cinematic classic.