MovieChat Forums > Phantom Lady (1944) Discussion > Best film noir that I've ever seen

Best film noir that I've ever seen

posted 11 years ago by axsmashcrushallthree
9 replies | jump to latest

This film takes implausibility to the height and the pacing is jagged at best. It's as pedantic and squirrel-y as its characters and downright maudlin at times.

However, this film has stuck with me over the years like no other film noir. It has a nightmarish quality that constantly eludes the grasp - there is consistently more than meets the eye - it's completely unpredictable and overly predictable - the characters are disappointing but absolutely indelible.

I don't think that I've seen a better example of German expressionism in the use of shadows, corners, and angles - Siodmak was an acknowledged master of the style before he fled Germany. Ella Raines, Franchot Tone, and Thomas Gomez are superbly cast. And then there's Elisha Cook the drummer and "that scene".

From I Wake Up Screaming/The Sea Wolf in 1941 to Blast of Silence in 1961 to Jean-Pierre Melville's pseudo-noirs, I've seen too many film noirs to count.

This is #1 on my list.

[–] Earl-Janoth 8 years ago

I'm somewhat inclined to agree with everything you said.

It's not without its flaws, but to be honest - I never notice them when I'm watching. The point at which I realized Tone was the killer, I have to say, did come as a surprise to me. The people raving on about how it was so obvious from the get go are liars. There was literally nothing to suggest it. He was mentioned only in passing and as 'abroad'. When he first shown it is as the killer. He is never named. When he turns up as the aforementioned 'friend', I refuse to believe anyone saw that coming. I thought it was very masterful.

But otherwise, yeah - the inherent flaws dissipate as I watch because the imagery and characters as well as the underlying unpredictability you mention always keep me on edge. I'd also say it's one of Franchot Tone's best performances.

[–] maarck6 7 years ago

What I would like to know is: did Cook do his own drumming? If so, I wonder why he never did any more drumming in movies. And who were those other jazz musicians?

[–] greenbudgie (2355) a year ago

I can't find anything about Elisha Cook Jr. having any drumming experience. I checked the uncredited musicians but there are no names I recognized.

[–] liscarkat (16543) 6 months ago

Cook was dubbed by drummer Dave Coleman, who in addition to studio work also played with the Harry James orchestra, among others, and backed Billie Holiday. Some sources say Buddy Rich supplied Cook's drumming sound; however, it is clearly not Rich's style, and Rich himself stated that he didn't remember having done it.

[–] 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jdforyou1983 (1469) 3 years ago

It's not the best but it's very good

[–] FilmBuff (6691) 3 years ago

I saw this as part of a film noir double feature waaaay back when I was in college. I remember thinking it was a great film, and one of the better noirs I'd seen, and loved Elisha Cook as the jazz musician. Is this also the movie where the guy orders a stinger made with green creme de menthe (as opposed to the clear version typically used in that drink), and that helps a bartender remember him? If not, which film noir is that from?

[–] jdforyou1983 (1469) 3 years ago

I don't recall that in the movie and not sure which noir it is

[–] FilmBuff (6691) 3 years ago

I'll 'member it and tell you