The Detective (1968)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Lee Remick, Jacqueline Bissett,
Robert Duvall, William Windom, Jack Klugman, Horace McMahon, Lloyd Bochner
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 4/5
This is another gem of classic cinema. A film that touched
on a controversial subject for its time period. I have often felt this was an
underrated and underappreciated film, maybe not in the context of classic
cinema, but in the modern movie loving world. Few people talk about this film
and I think that is a true shame. It’s a film flawlessly acted, superbly
directed. The visual imagery and all around creation of the film through
costumes, sets, cinematography and music adds a truly classic appeal of film
making, yet with a subject that stepped on toes and expressed a reality not
talked about or experienced.
The plot to the film is about a New York Detective known as
Joe Leland. He is called to the latest murder victim. A man who has been beaten
to death. To make matters worse it seems the brutality of the crime stands out
for the victim was mutilated, having his private parts removed. Also in the mix
is the victim’s sexual orientation. Homosexuality comes into play. Joe tries to
maintain a professional approach to the crime, going about trying to solve the
ordeal of who murdered the victim, all the while struggling in his personal
life with a declining marriage to his wife Karen Leland. Soon Detective Leland
has a subject, the victim’s housemate Felix Tesla. Leland goes about getting
his confession no matter what, even if it’s false. The plot thickens with
unanswered questions, a rush to judgement and another victim. Soon Leland finds
himself in an unraveling mystery filled with one twist after the other.
This is a Neo Noir style of film. It's very deep and dark for its
time period. It touches on subjects very taboo for the time.
Homosexuality, is a major subject in the film which played out in a unique
mystery, and one Detectives ordeal in that situation. Frank Sinatra is
amazing at the part of Leland. Old Blue Eyes was an amazing singer, and even
actor. He graced the cinema world with many wonderful examples of film and I
feel The Detective is one of those. Also starring the very beautiful actress
Lee Remick as Leland’s wife Karen. Remick was a powerful performer. It’s hard
to believe she died so young, 55 years old was way too young. She was a goddess
of cinema, and her part of Karen is a prime example of her beauty and art form
of acting. I will always remember her in the horror classic 1976’s The Omen.
The Detective also has a wonderful ensemble cast of perfect performers. The amazing
one of a kind Robert Duvall who needs no introduction. He is a prime example of
perfection when it comes to acting. From The Godfather 1 and 2, to Apocalypse
Now, to the amazing Lonesome Dove Miniseries, and everything else, his career of
performances is a vast array of important cinema that few actors can say they have
accomplished. Also starring the absolutely breath taking Jacqueline Bisset. She
is a stunning, gorgeous, actress with award worthy performances under her belt, and
The Detective is no different. I will always remember her next to every definition
of acting, and sexiness, Steve McQueen in Bullitt. She graces the screen as if she
owns it in the role of Norma MacIver in The Detective.
I think what is so sad about watching these older films is
how so many of these greats are long gone. So many have passed and it’s a true shame
to any lover of cinema to know we will never be able to experience their
brilliance again. Ralph Meeker, Jack Klugman, Horace McMahon, Lloyd Wolfe
Bochner, William Windom, Anthony Peter “Tony” Musante, Albert Cornelius “Al”
Freeman, Jr, Patrick Henry Scarnato, Patrick McVey, Sugar Ray Robinson, George
Ames Plimpton, have all left us. Thankfully we have companies like Twilight
Time that honors these films with lovely new outlets on Blu-ray of perfected
products that stand out. The Detective is a prime example of a high quality
product through stunningly restoration in audio and video. The Detective has never looked any better.
Directed by one of the coolest directors
around, Gordon Douglas. Douglas was a killer at creating memorable pieces of
cinema, and The Detective is a prime example of his expertise and craftsmanship of
cinema. Sadly, the movie world no longer has this movie genius, he passed in
1993, but thankfully we can return to his vast array of filmed perfection.
Douglas directed many greats in so many different styles of cinema, from
mystery, drama, sci-fi to everything in-between. From the 1954 sci-fi creature
feature classic THEM! to the violent westerns like 1970’s Barquero. From comedy
action like 1967’s In Like Flint, to the other two crime films starring Frank
Sinatra, 1967’s Tony Rome and 1968’s Lady in Cement. Douglas knew how to create
entertainment. The Detective is a prime example of that style that he so greatly
owned.
The screenplay was written by the amazing Abby Mann. Mann
wrote the screenplay for one of my favorite films of all time Judgement at
Nuremberg. Which Twilight Time has also released on a special edition Blu-ray
which you can read my review for it here: REVIEW. The Detective was adapted
from the novel by the same name written by Roderick Thorp. Thorp was an America
writer that added imaginative flare to his pieces of work. From action fiction
to mystery drama. He was skilled at perfecting a good story, which was his ultimate
storytelling genius. His books have been adapted for the screen many times. His
novel Nothing Last Forever was the basis for the Die Hard film starring Bruce
Willis. One also has to mention the cinematography of the film. Joseph Francis
Biroc who might I add was an Academy Award winner. Biroc has worked on many
films of perfection, the masterpiece holiday classic 1946’s It’s a Wonderful
Life. The amazing 1965’s The Flight of the Phoenix. The stunningly brilliant
Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, the greats Blazing Saddles, The Towering Inferno, The
Longest Yard, Hustle, Airplane! and many others. He was a master. That is what
stands out about this film The Detective, everyone involved with it was some
sort of master film maker in one way or another.
The Detective is one of those films, way before it’s time in
subject. It’s a film that lingers on your mind long after it’s over. It’s a
film that showcases great acting, directing. It’s a film that should be seen
and talked about. Twilight Time did an amazing job at picking this film to be
released on a special edition blu-ray.
Audio/Video: 5/5
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 2.35:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Yet again Twilight Time crafted an excellence in Blu-ray
form. They did a wonderful example of how to treat a film like they always do.
Vibrant in color, dark toned in moments crystal clear. Ear candy in sound.
Crisp, clear perfection. Twilight Time never lets you down in this department.
They pay respect to the film and share it with the fans.
Extras: 3/5
You get the great Isolated Music Track. The man behind the
music for this film needs no introduction to cinema fans. The one and only
Jerry Goldsmith. Goldsmith has been a part of some of the greatest film scores
both small and large. J
You also get a wonderful commentary by three amazing film
historians, David Del Valle, Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman. Always a brilliant
listen when three perfected, highly researched film lovers talk about film.
Overall:
Another fantastic blu-ray. Twilight Time has done another
fantastic product to represent cinema. The Detective is a film that should be
expressed and remembered. With this new blu-ray outlet a modern generation can
experience this classic film. Twilight Time brings out some of the best
transfers, and restorations of film. Another solid product.
INFO:
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beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
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