Noirvember

There are several moving pieces to 1956’s The Killing that make it an especially fine film, whether one analyzes it from the perspective of the noir movement, the heist genre or within the legendary Stanley Kubrick’s oeuvre. Re-watching it recently, one aspect that stuck out more than anything else was how much of the drama hinges on the dynamic between George, played by Elisha Cook Jr., and Sherry Peatty (Marie Windsor), with special attention going to the former. Elisha Cook Jr. was a regular in dramas and thrillers throughout the 1940s and 1950s, yet rarely earned starring roles. Describing his roles as second fiddle might even be going too far for that matter. Frankly, his characters were often third and sometimes even fourth fiddle. Despite that, his name is one that many aficionados of American cinema from the 20th century’s first half are familiar with. Even those that do not know him by name tend to recognize him the instant he appears on screen. The Killing, while not making him the lead actor (as per usual), awards him the spotlight in such a way that was uncommon to say the least. http://www.cutprintfilm.com/features/editorials/noirvember-friday-killing/