Stanley Kubrick's first major studio debut was this little film noir gem that might be one of the best heist movies I've ever seen. In a sense it is a conventional Hollywood film atypical of Kubrick's unique projects that he would later be known for, but in it he shows that he could tackle familiar genres with style and ease.
Like most good heist flicks, the story is in the details and the plotting more so than the actual heist. Having all the pieces into place and carefully explained is far more rewarding than any ten minute action sequence that doesn't have a well established story. In The Killing, each individual character is carefully examined and given ample screen time. They all have their reasons for pulling off the job and each comes with a little backstory. The film begins with a bunch of fragmented introductions to various characters who play a major role in the film. First there is Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) who is a veteren criminal looking for one last big score to retire with his girl. There is a corrupt cop who is in debt with the mob, a bartender with a sick wife at home, an older gentleman with not much to live for and George Peatty (Elisha Cook Jr.), a window teller at the racetrack with a conniving wife.
The majority of the film is devoted to the careful plotting of the crime the group are about to commit, robbing a racetrack on the day of a big race. The scheme itself isn't entirely complicated and doesn't need that much explaining, but the beauty of the film is in the rich characters and side stories. There is a great deal of suspense in whether or not they can pull it off and if they do, their ability to get away with it. The main conflict of the film comes from George Peatty, who is the weak link of the group thanks to his devotion to his scheming wife Sherry (Marie Windsor). One day he accidentally tells her of his get rich dreams and how he intends on doing it, which she in turn tells her secret lover. The two of them have grand designs of their own.
This film is wonderfully acted and has great dialogue. Sterling Hayden gets top billing for the film and he's great, but the true stars are Peatty and Windsor who play the troubled husband and wife. He is so weak and pathetic and she is so manipulative and is a downright bitch. But what's so wonderful about the film is that every character is strongly played and important. Even a minor character such as the one played by Kola Kwariani has a lot of depth. He is hired to create a distraction by getting into a fight, but we also know that he is highly respected by his peers and is an avid chess player. (The actual barroom brawl is pretty funny though as it's scripted like a wrestling match.)
While it plays out like a caper movie, Kubrick also displays his visual mastery. I liked the scenes in the apartment when they are plotting. The space feels so cramped and the camera effortlessly travels back and forth following the action. The best shots are saved near the end in a scene between Peatty and Sherry. I don't want to give away too much about the film, but the film is far darker and cynical than you would expect and the last fifteen minutes of the film are totally surprising and engrossing. Actually, running in at just 83 minutes, the whole film is jam packed from beginning to end with great story telling, characters and of course the action oriented heist itself.
Grade: A
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