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Mr. Arkadin
27Mar12
Working through Hackman's 70s filmography for (mostly) the first time. Doesn't compare to *The Conversation*, but has enough neo-noir nods to keep it moving (and the ending becomes suddenly, gorily over-the-top and violent). The image of the pilot drowning in the plane, as Hackman watches through the glass-bottom boat, is one of the film's most effective parting images. (And James Woods looks like he's, what, 16?)
Pierluigi Puccini
19Dec11
Everything is low key about this film, until the last thirty minutes when the plot violently unravels. As other great neo noirs of its type, it confronts a man with old fashioned morals and mentality with hypocrite modern day world. Gene Hackman gives another stelar performance.
Matt Keane
11Dec11
Great performance from Hackman and some sharp, crackling dialogue. The actual mystery element is rather weak, however, and the soundtrack is totally unfit for purpose. Not very cinematic. It reminded me of a good episode of Columbo.
SeventiesSinema
17Nov11
Sometimes seventies cinema sorta sucks. This movie has been made many times before and since. Yes, it is well directed and well acted, but when the mystery is solved, all one can say is, "Who gives a fuck?" No larger cultural resonance. No themes grander than those in a routine detective novel.
Stephen Campbell
22Nov10
Up there with The Long Goodbye and Chinatown as one of the best Private eye films of the 70s One of Penns best films also
filmcapsule
17Oct10
A really great character study bolstered by a strong performance from Hackman. I got a surprisingly detailed understanding of Moseby. His relationship with his wife, which would have felt dashed off in other films, felt believable. The mystery isn't as enthralling, but it affords interesting side characters and situations for Moseby to react to. I loved how tight it was: no time for extraneous set-up.
Edward Copeland
6Oct10
Arthur Penn's detective movie has a great performance by Gene Hackman but is weakened by the fact that every other character is underdeveloped and the mystery turns out to be a bore. http://eddieonfilm.blogspot.com/2010/10/arthur-penn-night-moves.html
Jack Lehtonen
3Oct10
R.I.P. Mr. Penn, and thank you for this masterpiece. One of the most haunting films I've seen. That frame underwater, good god, what a scene.
Spencer Draper
10Feb10
Builds your interest well. This is a great mid 70's film that effectively carries the noir PI torch without ever seeming like a groan inducing homage. Hackman is great and the rest of the cast just embody their roles. 5 minutes in I was hooked.
Weena Eloi
3Feb10
A really underrated little gem of a film, it also boasts the distinction of containing Melanie Griffith's finest performance (I know, I know: a dubious distinction). Warning: pay close attention up until the final shot or you'll miss something.