Day 30: Your Least Favorite [Noir] Movie
Looking at this prompt, I thought two things: (1) what a depressing way to end a list; and (2) didn’t I do this one already? The answer to the latter question is no, not exactly. There were two close prompts: Day 13: A Movie that You Used to Love but Now Hate; and Day 18: A Movie That Disappointed You The Most. But my actual Least Favorite Noir? Do I go for the most boring noir? The most predicable? The thinnest plot? The worst acting? It would be easy to choose some low-budget mess, like sexist and stupid Hugo Haas flicks. But some of them, like Pickup (1991) are such campy, over-the-top fun.
LADY IN THE LAKE (1947)
The most unwatchable film is perhaps the best way for me to choose a “least favorite,” and that’s not too difficult. Lady in the Lake (1947) experiments with putting the viewer in Marlowe’s POV and results in an absolutely dreadful film. It’s conceived and directed by Robert Montgomery. My most vivid memories of the film (unbleachable from my brain) are (1) “cheating” moments where lead actor Robert Montgomery looks into a mirror so we can actually see his character and (2) Audrey Totter looking bug-eyed into the camera. Ghastly!
(I actually bought this film and have tried to watch it a second time, but I’ve never made it all the way through again. It’s a real snoozer and as bad a way to end this 30-day challenge as I can think of!)
Thanks to all who’ve been reading along all 30 days and especially those kind enough to like and comment!
B Noir Detour 
October 5, 2017 at 10:49 PM
I couldn’t agree with you more. Montgomery was a crap actor/director anyway — perhaps redeemed by Ride the Pink Horse, perhaps not — and this whole movie was misconceived from the outset. His one significant achievement was Elizabeth.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 6, 2017 at 1:48 AM
I’m with you: Lady in the Lake doesn’t do it for me, either. One that I remember being disappointed in many years ago – and a film I need to revisit – is The Naked City (1948), which I remember as more of a police procedural than the noir I was expecting. Maybe I’ll feel differently the next time I see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 6, 2017 at 4:03 AM
By the way, koff koff, Salome, you might want to correct “3-Day Movie Challenge”: I’m sure your perseverance is far doughtier than this.
LikeLiked by 1 person