Gun Crazy
by Joseph H. Lewis
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Anabel Shaw, Berry Kroeger, John Dall, Morris Carnovsky, Peggy CumminsDirector: Joseph H. Lewis
Brand: KITSES,JIM
Cinematographer: Russell Harlan
Editor: Harry W. Gerstad
Producer: Frank King
Producer: Maurice King
Writer: Dalton Trumbo
Writer: MacKinlay Kantor
Writer: Millard Kaufman
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 86 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-07-06
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of Gun Crazy
Movie Review: You'll never make big money. You're a two-bit guy.
Summary: 5 Stars
If this film were to be released in today's society, it would not be looked upon with the greatest of ease. Mothers, victims, and Michael Moore would talk about this film as being a perfect reason why guns are a problem in our society. It would be similar to making a sequel to Natural Born Killers and hoping that it sweeps the Oscars. It just wouldn't happen. Yet, in 1949 this film worked. With a growing interest in firearms began building, the studio that released this film decided it would take a chance and release this little ditty co-staring John Dall and Peggy Cummins while the main name in lights at the marquee is "GUNS". Throughout the film, director Joseph Lewis tries to demonstrate to us that "guns don't kill people, people kill people" by having us follow these two hapless victims lead by destruction by the forceful fist of the gun.
Through powerful imagery, detailed character studies, and creative direction, Deadly is the Female proves that it is more than just a simple black and white film about the evil of weapons. Dall and Cummins are perfectly matched as the mismatched bandits on the run from the law. Dall built such a strong character from the start to the finish of this film that I honestly forgot that I was watching a movie. His inability to kill coupled with Cummins disrespect of life provided some of the best dialogue, interaction, and intensity that I have ever seen in a film. I could watch these two characters in anything and I would still be entranced. The fire in their eyes, the passion in their voices, and the eventual crumbling of their own selves was vividly beautiful. I am not ashamed to say that the acting in this film could easily be put next to the work of those high paid in Hollywood today and be seen as the same (or better). There is something about these two that forces us to look deeper into them. From the beginning we settle in with our connection and never let go of our two characters. We watch everything they do with a close eye and cheering whenever they escape from the law. While the "gun" is the main character, the two wielding the weapon take the film to a new level.
One can only speak of the acting so much before you have to bring in the direction from Lewis and the cinematography that only give the actors room to showcase their talent. Lewis' direction is immaculate. His attention to detail and scene set up is one of the best I have ever witnessed. The scene that comes immediately to mind is early in the film when the friends are telling their story to the judge about how Bart couldn't kill the mountain lion. When he refuses and his friends try to shoot, the only camera angle we have is of the boys shooting with Bart's fist in the frame. His fist clenches everytime the gun is shot. This was amazing how well this built Bart's character for the rest of the film. Lewis knows this film. You can see it with every shot that he takes. He is excited and mesmerized by the characters, which translates onto the film perfectly. He takes his passion and pushes it towards the cinematography as well. There are several shots of our two "love-birds" driving the car to their next heist. Lewis builds so much intensity in those little spaces that it lingers throughout the rest of the film. The Savings and Loan Building heist is what immediately comes to my mind. When the two are searching for a parking space to rob the institution you just get this feel of humanity and nervousness. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
So, we have the top-notch acting, the intricate and detailed direction followed by a simple, yet effective story. Love plays second fiddle to the gun as we see a story that is not unlike ones that we currently see invading our multiplex. I think for me it was exciting to just see the era that this movie was filmed. Another reviewer mentioned the scenes of the gun in the window of a store and the one-man police station on the California border was hysterical and somewhat eerie as well. I couldn't agree more. While this may have been exaggerated at the time, it still provided a pleasing look as to where we have progressed to since then (and maybe because of this film!).
Overall, this film really impressed me. I am a fan of films made in the 40s, and Deadly is the Female is no exception. This era of film continually breaks new boundaries for me and proves that Hollywood may not be as creative as we think. I see these films made in the 40s, and see the exact same types of stories in today's movie theaters. Is there plagiarism happening or is Hollywood just recycling to continue to allure audiences to dish out more money? The world may never know, but what I do know is that if you ever have the chance to see Deadly is the Female, I suggest it. Powerful, stunning, and beautifully captured onto film, it will not disappoint. Enjoy.
Grade: ***** out of *****
Summary of Gun Crazy
A collection of classic film noir.Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: NR
Release Date: 6-JUL-2004
Media Type: DVD
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