The Big Sleep (1946)

[Valadius]

Humphrey Bogart snarks his way through this film noir classic as Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe, with soon-to-be wife Lauren Bacall as Vivian Sternwood. As Marlowe works to unravel a convoluted plot of blackmail, gambling, and murder, he finds himself drawn deeper down the rabbit hole with every move he makes.

[RealityChuck]

This, of course, applies to the revised version (which is the only one most people have seen). The original had far less Bogart/Bacall interplay (no scene where they discuss "horse racing," for instance), though the plot made much more sense.

[Edgy MD]

I thought I had a previous poll on this, but can't find it.

[Valadius]

I couldn't find it either.

I know the revised version is held up on occasion as too confusing, but only one little thing has me stumped - where did Marlowe get the key to Geiger's place?

[Benjamin Grimm]

I've only seen this once, and it was a long time ago. (I might have been 15 or 16.) I recall not entirely understanding what was going on. I don't know if it was because the plot was complex or confusing, or if it was because I was watching late at night. (Back before VCR's and TiVo, I had to actually stay up very late to watch a late movie.)

[Edgy MD]

The truth is that even the book doesn't hold together if you look close enough at the plot.

Part of what additionally makes it confusing is the existence of the motion picture code. The criminals at the center of Marlowe's investigation were part of a pornography ring, but the script was unallowed to mention the existence of pornography. They may have gotten in a few euphemistic references to "funny books" or something, but it's not easy to sort that out right away, and even harder as time has passed and references have become more obscure.

He breaks into Geiger's house and the place is decorated in cheap orentalism and the younger sister (I think) is passed out in a silk dress. Well, we're all supposed to get the picture of what's going on. OK.