+2
The Big Clock (1948) - John Farrow
Ray Milland plays a crime journalist who becomes a prime suspect for the murder his boss (Charles Laughton) commited. Most of the film is focused around the game of cat and mouse between the two, as Laughton tries to sew his murder to someone else and Milland playing alongside while trying to prove his innocence. I thought this was a pretty good crime flick, despite some nonsensical plotlines, which slightly bothered me. Milland was pretty good as desperate, but crafty journalist trying to clear the dirt of his name. And Laughton did a fine job as a methodical and venal antagonist, who is always used to getting what he wants.
The film constantly generated a high level of suspense, which peaked in the last third, when search for the murderer occured during the building lockdown. This certainly added a nice sense of main character feeling trapped which definitely helped to increase the tension. My main complaints were some seeming plot-holes and weak ending that didn't really manage to satisfy me. Despite of it, this is still an above-average crime flick, definitely worth seeing for its suspenseful atmosphere.
Rating :
+
Last edited by Jeff Costello; 07-09-17 at 09:38 PM.