There are many reasons not to like Kiss Me Deadly.
For starters, whether by happenstance or design, the film
editing is jerky in spots; you find yourself thinking "What just
happened?" More important, the plot is hard to follow with a
jumble of overplayed characters popping in and out of the story
line from beginning to end. Instead of logical progression from
seminal event to theatrical coda, the movie comes off more as a
series of vignettes. You can rewind and try to figure out
exactly who and what they're talking about but it probably won't
help. In the case of Kiss Me Deadly it doesn't matter. The
movie is first and foremost about style, film noir style. Dialogue and continuity are secondary
issues. Art direction, lighting and
photography are paramount. What the actors say is not as
important as how they say it and what they're wearing. The
ending doesn't matter, it's the getting there that counts. So
relax and enjoy the moment. It will all make sense in the end.
CAST: Ralph Meeker, Maxine Cooper, Wesley Addy, Cloris Leachman
DIRECTED BY: Robert Aldrich
WRITERS: Mickey Spillane, A.I. Bezzerides