Customer Reviews

The Big Sleep (BFI Film Classics)

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David Thomson is arguably the most gifted writer on the cinema -- his "Biogrpahical Dictionary of Film" one of the subject's most valued reference guides. Singling out Howard Hawks' film version of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" as the most entertaining movie ever made is clearly a bold move on Thomson's part, but his arguments are steadfast and persuasive. Anyone choosing to read this work will emerge with a deeper understanding of the great detective film and an irresistable desire to see it again as soon as possible.

The BFI Film Classics series is great and after watching The Big Sleep I was curious to see what the esteemed David Thompson had to say in his book version for BFI. I was already a fan from The New Biographical Dictionary Of Film. He readily admits that it is his favorite film of all time and he goes on to discuss how the film came about while shedding light about the principal characters. He has done his research on the director Howard Hawks-who seems to have molded Lauren Bacall on his second wife Nancy "Slim" Hawks (who is a sophisticated looking lady who seems to have been blessed with with according to legend). Furthermore, he talks around the plot and goes into detail about how the studio wanted more Bogey & Bacall and sacrificed exposition for it and it worked! Thompson talks about what a "happy" film it is, but I agree with him and was attracted to all the alluring females that throw themselves in Bogey path throughout the film, which Thompson suggests reflects Hawks' reputation as a lady's man. I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it would appeal to anyone looking for a close critical reading of the film.