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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
It is a curious fact that despite the an ever-increasing modern infatuation with the criminal perspective of life, "The Asphalt Jungle", the first heist film from such a view, has languished in obscurity. It represents a major break from the traditional thriller and a key achievement of 50s film-making.
Deliberately episodic in form, the film takes us through the careful planning for the job, the botched attempt, and the frantic getaway. In generating believable and sympathetic criminals, John Huston's confident direction does the difficult job of showing how the violence of these character has not robbed them of their humanity.
Of course, unlike the Westerns, where the dark heroes could ride off into the sunset, this film aimed for the gritty realism of its day and so there could be no rosy future for its villians. Thus the film bears the classic elements of tragedy whereby the protagonists' own shortcomings prompt their fall. And as with all great tragedy, inevitability does not betray the climax of its power.
In many ways, it is a pity that this film featured the debut of Marilyn Munroe. Her patent beauty is only on the screen for a few minutes and yet has stolen much of the attention that the rest of this film so richly deserved.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"The Asphalt Jungle" is one of the few Hollywood films to follow the Russian tradition of picture-making; for the film does not include actors who are "stars" in the accepted sense of the word, but people who have been encouraged to "sink" their characters fully into the roles they are playing. Even Marilyn Monroe - in one of her first film parts - is not listed in the opening credit titles.
The movie captures perfectly the weaknesses of human nature that comes from greed & the wish to have more than one`s "fair share" . The contrast in the characters is notable: for example, the coolness of the German "Doctor" and the nervousness of the bookmaker.
The black & white photography is gritty & helps create the sombre atmosphere of the film. The use of music too, is restrained: only in the first & last scenes of the picture is there any "soundtrack" background music. Otherwise the music emanates from "natural" sources i.e. radio, jukebox etc., altogether an absorbing film, well worth seeing; a classic of its kind.
John Harman.
The movie captures perfectly the weaknesses of human nature that comes from greed & the wish to have more than one`s "fair share" . The contrast in the characters is notable: for example, the coolness of the German "Doctor" and the nervousness of the bookmaker.
The black & white photography is gritty & helps create the sombre atmosphere of the film. The use of music too, is restrained: only in the first & last scenes of the picture is there any "soundtrack" background music. Otherwise the music emanates from "natural" sources i.e. radio, jukebox etc., altogether an absorbing film, well worth seeing; a classic of its kind.
John Harman.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The problem with todays crime movies is that so many of them talk the talk but dont walk the walk.
John Houston's 1953 heist movie puts them all to shame, simply because it understands what makes career criminals tick, and it manages to combine street style with character substance. On one level there is the plan, the operation and the betrayal that inevitably follows. But beneath this we are given glimpses into the domestic lives, impossible dreams and personality flaws of the heavy, the safecracker, the mastermind, the getaway driver, the financier- character types transformed into real flesh and blood. Brilliant.
John Houston's 1953 heist movie puts them all to shame, simply because it understands what makes career criminals tick, and it manages to combine street style with character substance. On one level there is the plan, the operation and the betrayal that inevitably follows. But beneath this we are given glimpses into the domestic lives, impossible dreams and personality flaws of the heavy, the safecracker, the mastermind, the getaway driver, the financier- character types transformed into real flesh and blood. Brilliant.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
American Noir
The Asphalt Jungle [1950] [DVD]
This is American Noir - a classic and a bargain. Is this Marylin Monroe's first appearance? Read more
This is American Noir - a classic and a bargain. Is this Marylin Monroe's first appearance? Read more
Published 9 months ago by Thomas88
"Asphalt Jungle (1950) ... Sterling Hayden ... John Huston (Director)...
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) presents "ASPHALT JUNGLE" (1950) (112 min/B&W) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) -- Starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James... Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. Lovins
Experience has taught me never to trust a policeman. Just when you...
Out of MGM, The Asphalt Jungle is directed by John Huston and based on the novel of the same name by W.R. Burnett. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Spike Owen
The Ashphalt Jungle (DVD) 1950
This film is gritty and tense,with screenplay by Ben Maddow and John Huston, and also directed by John Huston. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Derek Vernon-morris
A Classic
Crisp, tight, script, direction, and acting. Plus Marilyn Monroe in one of her smallest but most noteworthy parts.
Published 23 months ago by Mr. M. Pearson
Noir Classic
I had forgotten how good this was until I caught a bit of it on the TV; so I just had to buy it. If you like Noir then this has to be in your collection.
Published on 27 May 2010 by Jay Zee
The Asphalt Jungle
One of the classic post WW2 films that contains a host of faces that you recognise but can't often name! Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2010 by Mr. M. Sanders
THE ASPHALT JUNGLE--A GREAT CRIME HEIST
THE ASPHALT JUNGLE,1950,black and white,is a great Film Noir crime heist,and stars-STERLING HAYDEN,LOUIS CALHERN,JEAN HAGEN,MARILYN MONROE[a then rising star,before her legendary... Read more
Published on 27 Nov 2009 by Mr. W. J. Wright
One of the best films noirs
I agree with other reviewers, a very good film in terms of its plot, varied scenes of urban life, film noir lighting, plausibly downbeat ending and the music. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2009 by Humpty Dumpty
"We all work for our vices."
Once a key part of the mighty battle between Louis B. Mayer and head of production Dore Schary for creative control at MGM, John Huston's classic 1950 heist movie The Asphalt... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2009 by Trevor Willsmer
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