1955 · drama · noir · hollywood
The Big Knife
Directed by Robert Aldrich1h 51m1955
Movie star Charlie Castle draws the ire of Hollywood producer Stanley Hoff when he refuses to sign a new seven-year contract. Castle is sick of the low quality of the studio's films and wants to start a new life. While his estranged wife supports him in the decision, Castle's talent agent urges him to reconsider. When Castle continues to be uncooperative, Hoff resorts to blackmail in order to get his way.
Our read: The Big Knife (1955) reads as a heavy, kinetic, grounded drama · noir · hollywood entry — extreme in intensity, intimate in scope, cold in temperature, nihilistic in outlook.
Heavy, kinetic, extreme drama / noir, grounded in texture. Nihilistic, intimate, cold.
- heavy
- brisk
- intense
- bleak
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Availability in the UK · via JustWatch
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How The Big Knife feels to watch.
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“You want Hollywood melodrama about integrity, blackmail and the price.”
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