Film Review: Farewell, My Lovely (1975)

According to Martin Scorsese, the three genres that defined American cinema in the 20th century were musicals, gangster films, and westerns. However, one could argue that film noir should also be included on that list. Originating from hard-boiled detective novels of the 1930s, film noir became synonymous with Hollywood films from the following decade. Over the years, this genre evolved in various forms, but the quintessential film noir is often associated with 1940s Los Angeles and a private investigator as the protagonist. Raymond Chandler, the writer who inspired many 1940s classics, played a significant role in shaping this image. His work continued to inspire filmmakers in later decades, with one such film being Farewell, My Lovely (1975), directed by Dick Richards.

Based on Chandler's 1934 novel, Farewell, My Lovely is set in Los Angeles during the early days of summer 1941. Private investigator Philip Marlowe, portrayed by Robert Mitchum, finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue, corruption, and murder while assisting a menacing criminal named Moose Malloy in locating his girlfriend Velma Valento. The film not only captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles through its production design and costumes but also delves into the harsh realities of the time, such as police corruption and racial discrimination.

John A. Alonzo's cinematography beautifully captures the essence of American urban nightlife from that era, with a predominant use of red tones that evoke the feeling of a city resembling a brothel. Mitchum's portrayal of Marlowe is spot-on, exuding the weariness and cynicism characteristic of the character, while Sylvia Miles shines in her role as a washed-up chorus girl. Despite some plot inconsistencies and gratuitous scenes, Farewell, My Lovely remains a captivating film, especially for those who appreciate the film noir genre.

Rating: 7/10

(Note: This review was originally posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on February 10, 2003)

Watch the trailer here

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