The Naked City (1948)
Directed by- Jules Dassin
*Barry Fitzgerald, Don Taylor, Howard Duff, Dorothy Hart
The Naked City is about New York, starring New York and made in New York.
A wonderful ode to a wonderful city with colorful narration and genius camera work.
With the starting monologue (presented by producer Mark Hellinger) attempting to provide it a documentary style we are introduced to the chief character; New York city.
William H. Daniels' superb cinematography captures the very soul of the great city in a stunning montage that spans from empty theaters to high society gatherings, a cleaning woman about her job to a radio host playing records on air.
As the narrative proceeds we witness a murder, that of a young model by the name of Jean Dexter. Alongside we are introduced to the other principal characters living their lives, oblivious to what that beckons them.
The story in a nutshell is pretty neat. Cops investigating Dexter's murder are hot on the trail of the murderers. But the clever web of shadows that falls over the rather simple mystery maintains the secrecy like a charm. And as new sides of the dice are revealed the viewer relishes in delight of the taut thrills that the film packs, including a very elaborate and sizzling climactic chase.
The film is also special in showcasing the minute details of a real police procedure. From dusting the room for prints to combing every inch of it for clues. and even the false leads that tend to misdirect the investigations and not to mention provide some unintentional humor.
It is the realistic depiction of the functioning of the police body that gives the film the haunting feel of realism.
The characters played out by the wonderful cast are rooted into reality and we feel the false pride of Frank Niles just as the youthful excitement of Detective Halloran.
But it is the wise old man of Barry Fitzgerald, Det. Lt. Dan Muldoon who overshadows the rest of the cast by his experience and wit.
From mumbling happy songs to mimicking crazy, old ladies, Fitzgerald is all there and his acting is first rate. Funny, calculating and warm.
Though there is one more character, as sharp as the old timer and even more cunning.
It's the brilliant narration by Hellinger that drives the film forward with a powerful force. There are scenes where the narrative might lag, such as while looking for witnesses all across the city, but it is the satirical dialogue of the narrator that provides these scenes with a comical edge.
Dassin's direction which takes control from the word go and never slips in the slightest for the rest of the film is commendable. The pacing of the scenes, the heels, the timing, all of it is nothing short of perfect.
Dassin handles his characters on a leash and they follow every command dutifully.
But what really makes this film so lovable, so rare is the awe-inspiring cinematography.
From the NY skyscrapers to the streets, the children's parks to the offices all of it is immortalised onscreen forever as one of the finest examples. And why not, as the film has been shot entirely on location.
Not a single shot was taken in a studio as the film is completely based in New York, a fact complimenting its own unique documentary style.
In the end, The Naked City is a wonderful achievement.
A splendid commentary on the millions of oblivious lives and their ironies that fill the city and make it complete. Make it real.
One of the brightest of films noir, complete with fleshy characters and a thrilling storyline and its own distinctive style.
Rating- 4.4/5
Directed by- Jules Dassin
*Barry Fitzgerald, Don Taylor, Howard Duff, Dorothy Hart
The Naked City is about New York, starring New York and made in New York.
A wonderful ode to a wonderful city with colorful narration and genius camera work.
With the starting monologue (presented by producer Mark Hellinger) attempting to provide it a documentary style we are introduced to the chief character; New York city.
William H. Daniels' superb cinematography captures the very soul of the great city in a stunning montage that spans from empty theaters to high society gatherings, a cleaning woman about her job to a radio host playing records on air.
As the narrative proceeds we witness a murder, that of a young model by the name of Jean Dexter. Alongside we are introduced to the other principal characters living their lives, oblivious to what that beckons them.
The story in a nutshell is pretty neat. Cops investigating Dexter's murder are hot on the trail of the murderers. But the clever web of shadows that falls over the rather simple mystery maintains the secrecy like a charm. And as new sides of the dice are revealed the viewer relishes in delight of the taut thrills that the film packs, including a very elaborate and sizzling climactic chase.
The film is also special in showcasing the minute details of a real police procedure. From dusting the room for prints to combing every inch of it for clues. and even the false leads that tend to misdirect the investigations and not to mention provide some unintentional humor.
It is the realistic depiction of the functioning of the police body that gives the film the haunting feel of realism.
The characters played out by the wonderful cast are rooted into reality and we feel the false pride of Frank Niles just as the youthful excitement of Detective Halloran.
But it is the wise old man of Barry Fitzgerald, Det. Lt. Dan Muldoon who overshadows the rest of the cast by his experience and wit.
From mumbling happy songs to mimicking crazy, old ladies, Fitzgerald is all there and his acting is first rate. Funny, calculating and warm.
Though there is one more character, as sharp as the old timer and even more cunning.
It's the brilliant narration by Hellinger that drives the film forward with a powerful force. There are scenes where the narrative might lag, such as while looking for witnesses all across the city, but it is the satirical dialogue of the narrator that provides these scenes with a comical edge.
Dassin's direction which takes control from the word go and never slips in the slightest for the rest of the film is commendable. The pacing of the scenes, the heels, the timing, all of it is nothing short of perfect.
Dassin handles his characters on a leash and they follow every command dutifully.
But what really makes this film so lovable, so rare is the awe-inspiring cinematography.
From the NY skyscrapers to the streets, the children's parks to the offices all of it is immortalised onscreen forever as one of the finest examples. And why not, as the film has been shot entirely on location.
Not a single shot was taken in a studio as the film is completely based in New York, a fact complimenting its own unique documentary style.
In the end, The Naked City is a wonderful achievement.
A splendid commentary on the millions of oblivious lives and their ironies that fill the city and make it complete. Make it real.
One of the brightest of films noir, complete with fleshy characters and a thrilling storyline and its own distinctive style.
Rating- 4.4/5
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