LoginTo be honest, I have to confess that I'm not really familiar with Humphrey Bogart. I mean, I have seen a couple of flicks but not many (After checking this out, I discovered that I did watch 9 of his movies which is not so bad after all). Anyway, this time, he was working for the 4th time with his wife, Lauren Bacall. He he was also working for the 4th time with John Huston, the director who gave his big break so I was in pretty good hands, that's for sure and I expected to have a good time. Eventually, I wasn't disappointed. Honestly, I don't think it is the best thing they made but it was still a pretty good flick though. As usual, Bogart and Bacall had some tremendous chemistry and they were quite spellbinding to watch. The directing by John Huston was also solid but I honestly didn't care much about the story though. I mean, it was definitely entertaining but it was just a little bit too pedestrian for my taste, I guess. Still, like I said before, it remains a solid and entertaining film noir and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.
Key Largo Reviews
A classic
Posted : 11 years, 7 months ago on 23 September 2012 02:50
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Key Largo
Posted : 12 years, 6 months ago on 30 September 2011 01:38
Humphrey Bogart is Frank McCloud, a former soldier in the World War, now looking to settle down and enjoy post-combat life. While on the way to a hotel called “Largo”, located in the Key’s, Florida; one of the few spots with similar titles in that specific area, his traveling bus is stopped by local police looking for two escaped convicts. The convicts are Mexicans, accused of murder, and just so happen to be running muck in Frank’s general area. Shortly thereafter, Frank arrives at his destination, where he plans on meeting a man, in Mr. Temple. (Lionel Barrymore) He and Temple’s son fought on the frontlines together, so Frank knows a lot about his late friend, and collaborates with Mr. Temple and Temple’s daughter about their experience together. The scene in which Bogart and Barrymore deeply reminisce about their own personal memories, is one that I found quite heart-breaking, whilst at the same time very powerful and perfectly acted. The deeply emotional, nearly teary-eyed look on Barrymore’s face really moved me. One of those on-screen moments I’ll never forget, as the interplay between the two is purely classic, not to be overlooked. I’m sure it won’t be included on any “most memorable” lists, but to me it’s good enough to be. Humphrey Bogart’s performance in this film is pretty spectacular, though definitely not as eccentric as some of his other roles. (Sierra Madre) It’s a very calm role however, as he stays relaxed for nearly the entire duration, not having to put forth a whole lot of emotion. He was a class act, one of Hollywood’s true legends. If not for him, Key Largo wouldn’t have nearly the same value as it currently does. I can’t say I’ve seen any other Barrymore films, but from what I’ve witnessed, he as well was a class act. The cast couldn’t have been hand-picked better, as each and every one of them nail their roles. Especially Edward Robinson as the ruthless gangster, Rocco.
After settling into the hotel for awhile, Frank is introduced to a few other hotel guests, including Rocco’s men, and Mr. Temple’s daughter, played wonderfully by Lauren Bacall. The three innocent bystanders are then held at gun-point by Rocco and his crew, all the while a heavy storm is brewing outdoors. The only man who possesses the courage and will power to stand up to these ruthless people, is Frank, as the rest of them just cower away in fear, with the exception of Mr. Temple, who attempts to attack the criminals, but to no avail, as he’s wheelchair bound. I’m always interested in films that are shot in just one location throughout, as it really boosts the tension and suspense for me. “Saw”, and “Identity” are a couple films in which were done that way, and really impressed me. With “Key Largo”, the tension isn’t too high, nor are the thugs really that intimidating whatsoever. But the multi-faceted situation they are all faced with: the storm, and the being held captive situation really come into affect here, and boost up the movie’s level, gelling it into one very captivating and enthralling experience.
The courage shown from Bogart’s character, and how powerful his performance is, mixed in with an extremely interesting, well thought out narrative, make for a very good viewing experience, though maybe not as memorable as others.
7.4/10
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Bogey + Bacall + Huston = masterpiece!
Posted : 15 years, 9 months ago on 13 July 2008 07:26
Key Largo marks another spellbinding on-screen collaboration of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. However, this film also marks a reunion of Bogey with famed director John Huston: a man who directed Bogey in such classic films as The Maltese Falcon and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Combine the screen partnership of Bogey and Bacall with director John Huston...then further boast the acting talents of Edward G. Robinson among many others, and it's impossible to go wrong. Previously, Howard Hawks directed Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep as well as To Have and Have Not. With John Huston's Key Largo, this is a film much less sexy than Hawks' forerunners. Instead we have a heady thriller built around a crackling conflict. Despite the restricted setting, this film is stylish and impressive: sizzling tension, exhilarating dialogue, perfectly tense atmosphere and an amazing slate of characters.
Major Frank McCloud (Bogart) has recently returned from the war. Frank is travelling through Florida with the desired destination of Key West. However, Frank decides to make a brief stop at the tropical locale of Key Largo. While serving in the war, a young soldier named George Temple served under his command and was tragically killed in action. Frank's intention in Key Largo is to visit George's family: father James Temple (Barrymore) and wife Nora (Bacall). The two manage a run-down hotel, and Frank is very warmly received. But Frank's visit was badly timed. While a howling tropical hurricane thunders outside, gangster Johnny Rocco (Robinson) takes control of the hotel with his cronies. The current hotel residents discover that they are now the prisoners of Rocco until the fierce storm passes. While a hurricane rages outside, emotions flare inside as Frank endeavours to keep everything calm in order to guarantee that everyone not only survives the hurricane but also survives the callous attitude of Johnny Rocco.
Regardless of the reasonably constrained scope of the setting in a hotel, Key Largo offers an opportunity for dexterous character development that rarely surfaces in films these days. Whereas the characters get slightly clichéd at times, the film is still a very nice character-driven effort that doesn't drag. The pace keeps the film taut and enthralling. It works due to the remarkable dialogue that never sounds contrived.
Top honours for director John Huston who appears to be at home with the material. He easily masters the tension and conflicts between the characters that frequently surface. This is another tight piece of direction from Huston, perfectly using the great talent at his disposal. More than that, the film is extremely atmospheric. The locations are shown with class, and are depicted with filmmaking of the highest regard. Uppermost credit also goes to Huston for his masterful management of the tropical storm. The storm motif is reappearing and classy...essentially representing the vicious events unfolding inside the hotel. With a great sound mix and stylish visuals, the hotel never feels artificial.
The film is held together by the terrific characters executed competently by a stellar cast. We've never seen Humphrey Bogart like this before. Instead of a tough guy ready for anything, he's deeper and more vulnerable. The sub-plot concerning a love interest is kept to a minimum. Lauren Bacall is a dazzling actress and the camera does marvels for her. Edward G. Robinson is a convincing gangster. His character may be slightly clichéd, but Robinson plays it to perfection. However, the star of the show is the Claire Trevor as the drunk, washed up singer. Claire walked away with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Who's to quibble? She's incredible! Lionel Barrymore also does a tremendous job as the crippled old man running the hotel.
Overall, Key Largo is another classic film featuring the terrific Humphrey Bogart in fine form. Flawed only for a few too many clichés, this is a commendable effort that any film buff simply needs to view. There are sparkles between the protagonists who interact in a perfectly set atmosphere by a man who is always a master at his craft.
9.4/10
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