The Killing (1956) ****1/2

Just as its story tells the tale of an almost perfect heist, Stanley Kubrick's The Killing (1956) is an almost perfect noir. It's that dang hammy voice-over, which in some ways works but which I've never been too keen on. Some of the performances also feel a bit forced—though the cast is top notch, particularly Sterling Hayden with that unmistakable voice and Elisha Cook Jr., who could play a sap like no one else. Rapid fire dialogue was provided courtesy of the bleakest of bleak crime writers, Jim Thompson. On that note, The Killing moves due to the brisk pace, shotgun editing, and sub 90-minute runtime. I love the way the camera glides through walls, and how the films plays with time and events (which was hugely influential for many filmmakers in years to come). The ending is ludicrous but darkly hilarious and pitch perfect in this, Kubrick’s first masterpiece.

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