Sweet Smell of Success was officially released in 1957. (Sam year Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood came out) At the time of its release, the film was poorly received and failed to make a profit at the box office. Overtime, it reached praise. In 1993, (the year I was born) Sweet Smell of Success was selected by the National Film Registry for preservation by the Library of Congress. The Criterion Collection digitally restored the film on DVD/Blu-Ray as spine number 555.
Notable famous people including Vince Gilligan, (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) James Mangold, (Cop Land, 3:10 to Yuma, Logan) Nathan Lane, Tim Robbins & Barry Levinson mentioned Sweet Smell of Success as one of their favorite films. Speaking of Mr. Mangold, his next project is “Swamp Thing” set within James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellas a chance to see this gem. Keep in mind, this is a very short review. It’s not a complex psychological thriller. Just a low stakes 90-minute film.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: Tony Curtis & Burt Lancaster both did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Elmer Bernstein (The Great Escape, Thoroughly Modern Millie) orchestrated the soundtrack. Jazzy tunes makes me wanna replay “L.A. Noire.”
Cinematography was shot carefully without succumbing to technical flaws.
Chemistry between Sid & J.J. serves as the main highlight.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from one scene to another.
The Plot involves J.J. using Sid to break up his sister’s relationship with a jazz musician.
Sid says “Cat’s in the bag and the bag’s in the river.” Vince Gilligan named two Breaking Bad episodes after the line. “Cat’s in the Bag,” “…And the Bag’s in the River.”
J.J. Hunsecker may have been the inspiration for J. Jonah Jameson from “Spider-Man.”
My favorite quote is, “I love this dirty town.”
Primary Themes are Greed, Corruption, Manipulation, Ambition & Betrayal. Each one’s handled carefully.
I cannot tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Sweet Smell of Success still holds up. If you’re a Criterion loyalist, grab a DVD/Blu-Ray copy.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 