Watch Sweet Smell Of Success

Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 film that was directed by Alexander Mackendrick, produced by James Hill, and starred Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, and Susan Harrison. It's a story set in the late 1950s in New York City and follows J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful newspaper columnist who uses his influence to manipulate the lives of those around him. Sidney Falco, a down-on-his-luck press agent, is the unfortunate victim of Hunsecker's schemes when Hunsecker uses Falco to break up his sister's relationship with a jazz musician.

The film is a captivating drama that explores the dark side of ambition and power, as well as the corruption that exists within the media industry. The film opens with striking New York City visuals, accompanied by a Stanton-Walsh score, which sets the tone for the upcoming psychological thriller.

Burt Lancaster delivers an exceptional performance as J.J. Hunsecker, the powerful and ruthless newspaper columnist who seems to control everyone around him. He is a self-made man who has come to believe that he is the arbiter of morality and ethics, and he's not afraid to use his influence and power to get what he wants. Lancaster brings an imposing presence to the character, with his deep voice and intimidating stature, which makes him all the more eerily fascinating.

Tony Curtis is equally impressive as Sidney Falco, the fast-talking press agent who finds himself at the mercy of Hunsecker. Despite his desperate situation, Falco is a complex character, who seems to be always looking for a way to escape his failures and make it big. Curtis does a great job in portraying the nervous energy of the character, constantly on the brink of desperation.

Susan Harrison, who played the role of Susan Hunsecker, J.J.'s younger sister, delivers an impressive performance as well. She brings a certain innocence to the role, which makes her the perfect foil to her brother's domineering behavior. Despite her efforts to break free of her brother's control, she is constantly pulled back into his web, which creates a sense of tension and conflict throughout the film.

The film's script, written by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman, is both tantalizing and heart-wrenching. The writing captures the essence of the seedy world of the media industry and the corruption that can occur within it. The sharp, witty dialogue between the characters is full of subtle insinuations and hidden meanings. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged throughout the film, as each character's motivations are slowly revealed.

The score of Sweet Smell of Success also plays an important role in establishing the mood of the film. The music, composed by Elmer Bernstein, is moody and jazzy, which emphasizes the film's themes of corruption and deception. Bernstein's score features certain motifs, such as the ominous brass and strings, which help in amplifying the tension of the film.

The film's cinematography, by James Wong Howe, is also worth mentioning. The visuals of New York City in the late 1950s, shot in black-and-white, are both striking and evocative. Howe uses noir-ish techniques, such as chiaroscuro lighting and deep focus, to create a sense of mystery and darkness.

Sweet Smell of Success is a timeless classic that explores timeless themes such as corruption, power, and the dark side of ambition. It is a thought-provoking and captivating film that lingers in the mind even after the credits have rolled. If you enjoy captivating dramas with compelling characters and intricate plots, then Sweet Smell of Success is a must-see film.

Sweet Smell Of Success is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 100.