by Eurocheese
If you missed part one, we're celebreating the whodunnit subgenre since Knives Out is out soon. Last time we listed rules of the genre (not all mystery and investigation films are whodunnits) and sang the praises of Gosford Park and The Thin Man. Now let's continue the list,
6. The Big Sleep
Bogie was bound to show up on this list (spoiler: he will again), and what better way to do it than next to his leading lady Lauren Bacall in her (arguable) career-best role...
A seemingly straightforward case becomes complicated when bodies start showing up. As famous detective Phillip Harlowe, Bogart uses his swagger to turn this noir into a fun ride through a sea of shady characters. Director Howard Hawks managed to create classics in several genres (Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, Red River), and this whodunnit is among his best.
5. Charade
This colorful 1963 classic balances comedy, menace and a climactic conclusion, with director Stanley Donen gleefully bouncing between tones throughout the film. Despite the 25 year age gap between Audrey Hepburn and an aging Cary Grant, their back and forth chemistry is perfect. Is he there to protect her from the three men that are demanding her late husband’s fortune? Is he out for the money himself? The candy colored background, witty one liners and host of bad characters make this a terrific tale that keeps the audience guessing.
4. The Maltese Falcon
This 1941 noir classic has been copied so many times that Knives Out's Rian Johnson even paid homage to it in his debut feature film, Brick. (That one is fun to check out too, mystery fans.) Hardboiled ace Sam Spade brings us Humphrey Bogart in self-preservation mode, investigating the death of his detective partner more out of a vague sense of loyalty than anything else. Noir archetypes like the femme fatale, the gangster mob boss, the crony hitman – they’re all here, all the characters ready to turn on each other on a dime. That they’re pursuing the ultimate dream – “the stuff that dreams are made of” – makes their desperation all the more palpable. The Maltese Falcon arguably defined the whole genre.
3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Listen, what fun would the list be if it was only old school classics? This smart mouthed 2005 comedy features Robert Downey, Jr. as a confused criminal who stumbles into a murder plot. With the help of an old high school flame and a condescending detective named “Gay Perry” (Val Kilmer), he manages to string the clues together. Shane Black’s script is full of winks to the camera as it pokes fun at the genre, at modern Los Angeles, and even at the viewer’s expectations. Some may find this a little too quippy for its own good, but if you're the right audience for it the dialogue will consistently crack you up. Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan make for terrific side kicks and every twist falls into place perfectly. (If you enjoy this one, you probably will also want to check out Shane Black’s other buddy-detective comedy, The Nice Guys.)
CONTINUE TO THE FINALE with two absolute favourites (and some runners up). Are you fans of Bogie mysteries? Do you think Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is hopelessly underseen?