The Killers - 1946

The Killers

The American “film noir” par excellence

"The Killers" (1946) is a seminal film noir directed by Robert Siodmak, adapted from Ernest Hemingway's short story.

The narrative begins with the brutal murder of Pete Lund, aka 'the Swede' (Burt Lancaster), by two hitmen. Insurance investigator Jim Reardon (Edmond O'Brien) unravels the Swede’s past to understand why he passively accepted his fate. His investigation reveals a tangled web of crime, betrayal, and a fatal love affair with the seductive Kitty Collins (Ava Gardner).

The film's non-linear storytelling, characterized by flashbacks and a dark visual style, became a staple of the noir genre. Siodmak's direction infused the tale with an atmosphere of fatalism and moral ambiguity, hallmarks of noir that would influence countless films thereafter.

Lancaster's portrayal of the doomed protagonist and Gardner's role as the femme fatale were standout performances that solidified their star status. "The Killers" also impacted the noir aesthetic, with its high-contrast lighting and urban bleakness, influencing the visual language of crime dramas for decades.

It’s considered a cornerstone of film noir, shaping the genre's themes and visual techniques.

Plot Summary

The plot of "The Killers" begins with two professional hitmen inexplicably murdering a gas station attendant named Ole 'Swede' Andreson (Burt Lancaster). Insurance investigator Jim Reardon (Edmond O’Brien) is assigned to piece together why Swede was targeted and who stood to benefit from his death.

Through a series of flashbacks elicited during Reardon’s investigation, we learn about Swede’s past as a boxer, his involvement with a seductive femme fatale, Kitty Collins (Ava Gardner), and his entanglement in a payroll heist masterminded by Big Jim Colfax (Albert Dekker).

As the complex narrative unfolds, the audience is drawn into a world of crime, betrayal, and doomed romance, quintessential elements of the film noir genre.

Impact and Legacy

"The Killers" had a significant impact on the development of film noir. Its use of flashbacks, shadowy cinematography, and morally ambiguous characters would become staples of the genre. Director Robert Siodmak's adeptness at creating suspense and a moody atmosphere contributed to the film’s tense and fatalistic tone.

Burt Lancaster's portrayal of Swede, a man trapped by his own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, received critical acclaim and launched him into stardom. Ava Gardner's role as the alluring Kitty Collins established her as a leading femme fatale of her time. Edmond O'Brien's role as the dogged investigator set a template for detective characters in subsequent noir films.

The film was based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway, and though it significantly expanded on the source material, it retained the author's themes of inevitability and fatalism. The opening scene of "The Killers" is often cited as one of the most compelling opening sequences in film history.

The film's score by Miklós Rózsa is dramatic and considered a high point in the scoring of film noirs. Cinematographer Elwood Bredell's use of light and shadow heightened the tension and visual style that would become synonymous with the genre.

In terms of its cultural impact, "The Killers" has been analyzed for its themes of existential despair and the corrupting influence of money and power. It has been referenced and paid homage to in many other works and is considered a classic example of film noir, continuing to be studied and appreciated by film enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Academically, "The Killers" is celebrated for its storytelling techniques and is often examined for its intricate plot structure and character development. It’s also recognized for its commentary on post-World War II disillusionment in the United States.

"The Killers," directed by Robert Siodmak in 1946, is a seminal film noir that reflects the genre's fascination with fate, crime, and moral ambiguity. The following points provide a full analysis of the film:

Narrative Structure and Storytelling

The film employs a non-linear narrative structure, unraveling its mystery through a series of flashbacks that are pieced together by insurance investigator Jim Reardon. This structure, inspired by the works of Akira Kurosawa and Citizen Kane, contributes to the film's sense of inexorability and doom.

Themes

Central to "The Killers" are themes of determinism and fatalism. Burt Lancaster’s character, the 'Swede,' is portrayed as a man unable to escape his fate, no matter how far he runs. The inevitability of his demise, hinted at in Hemingway’s original story, is expanded upon in the film, showcasing the genre's cynical worldview.

Characterization

The 'Swede' is a prototypical film noir protagonist, characterized by a flawed nature and a past that haunts him. Ava Gardner’s Kitty Collins epitomizes the femme fatale—seductive, mysterious, and dangerous, leading men to their ruin. Their character dynamics play into noir’s typical gender roles and the era's anxieties about female sexuality and agency.

Cinematography and Visual Style

Elwood Bredell’s cinematography is key to the film's atmosphere, employing high-contrast lighting, stark shadows, and striking compositions. These visuals reinforce the themes of entrapment and uncertainty that are central to film noir.

Direction

Siodmak's direction is tight and precise, masterfully building tension and navigating the complex narrative. His use of close-ups and long takes draws viewers into the characters' psychological states, while his handling of action sequences maintains the film's brisk pace.

Influence of the Source Material

The film expands significantly on Ernest Hemingway's short story, using it as a springboard for a larger exploration of crime and character. While Hemingway’s story centers on the inexplicable nature of the 'Swede’s' acceptance of his fate, the film delves into the reasons behind it, creating a detailed backstory that is absent from the original text.

Impact and Legacy

"The Killers" had a significant impact on the film noir genre, becoming a template for many crime dramas that followed. It showcased how a literary source could be adapted into a stylish, existential filmic exploration. The movie also marked Burt Lancaster's powerful screen debut and cemented Ava Gardner's star status.

Cultural and Societal Context

 Released just after World War II, the film taps into the era’s feelings of disillusionment and dislocation. The characters' struggles and moral compromises can be seen as reflections of the societal adjustments and uncertainties of the time.

In conclusion, "The Killers" stands as a prime example of film noir, rich in its exploration of dark themes and cinematic techniques. Its portrayal of doomed characters caught in a web of crime and betrayal resonates as a compelling narrative of existential angst, while its technical excellence in direction, acting, and cinematography underscores its status as a classic of American cinema.

• Burt Lancaster as Ole 'Swede' Andreson
• Ava Gardner as Kitty Collins
• Edmond O'Brien as Jim Reardon
• Albert Dekker as Big Jim Colfax
• Sam Levene as Lieutenant Sam Lubinsky
• Vince Barnett as Charleston
• Virginia Christine as Lilly Harmon Lubinsky
• Jack Lambert as 'Dum-Dum' Clarke
• Charles D. Brown as Packy Robinson
• Donald MacBride as R.S. Kenyon
• William Conrad as Max
• Charles McGraw as Al

Robert Siodmak's direction in "The Killers" is a defining example of film noir style and storytelling. His approach to the film showcased many of the traits that have come to be closely associated with the genre.

Stylistic Choices

Siodmak employed high-contrast lighting and deep shadows, creating a visual tension that matched the film's narrative suspense. His use of darkness and light not only set the mood but also emphasized the dualities within the story — the contrast between the innocence of the past and the corruption of the present.

Narrative Structure

Siodmak opted for a non-linear narrative structure, beginning the film with the end of the protagonist's life and then unfolding the story through flashbacks. This approach allowed him to weave a complex narrative that gradually reveals the past, layer by layer, drawing viewers into the mystery.

Characterization

Under Siodmak's direction, the characters in "The Killers" are deeply nuanced. He elicited performances from his actors that brought out their inner conflicts and motivations, particularly from Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner, whose characters are both victims and perpetrators in the narrative web.

Atmosphere and Pacing

Siodmak's pacing builds tension and anticipation, as the story slowly reveals the central mystery. The atmosphere he creates is one of fatalism and entrapment, with characters seemingly predestined for their dark fates, a common theme in film noir.

Innovative Techniques

Siodmak's innovative use of cinematic techniques, such as the aforementioned flashbacks, close-ups, and the climactic heist sequence, were both groundbreaking and influential, contributing to the language of film noir and cinema in general.

Collaboration with Cinematographer

Working with cinematographer Elwood Bredell, Siodmak created a visually striking film. Bredell's lighting and Siodmak's compositional choices combined to create a series of memorable images that have become iconic within the genre.

Siodmak's work on "The Killers" has been praised for its sophistication and complexity, and his ability to evoke a palpable sense of doom and futility. The film's influence is evident in the way it established a blueprint for many of the noir films that followed, and it remains a high point in Siodmak's career as a master of the genre.

Burt Lancaster's role as Ole 'Swede' Andreson in "The Killers" marked his film debut and instantly established him as a Hollywood star. His portrayal of the Swede is a standout performance that encapsulates the tragic essence of film noir protagonists.

Character Traits and Development

The Swede is characterized by his stoicism and fatalistic attitude. Lancaster imbues him with a sense of quiet intensity and resignation. His Swede is a man beaten down by life, accepting his grim fate with a mixture of apathy and a lost desire for redemption. The character is physically imposing yet emotionally vulnerable, a contrast that Lancaster delivers with remarkable subtlety.

Physical Presence

Lancaster's physicality is central to his role. He brings an athletic grace to the Swede, a former boxer, which aligns with Lancaster's own circus acrobat background. This physical presence adds to the character's initial impression of strength, which is slowly revealed to be hollow as his vulnerabilities are exposed.

Emotional Resonance

Lancaster's portrayal of the Swede's emotional journey is nuanced and layered. The character is haunted by his past, marked by lost love, betrayal, and a descent into crime. Lancaster conveys this emotional weight with a balance of restraint and occasional flashes of intensity, which make the Swede's moments of vulnerability all the more impactful.

The Theme of Fate

Consistent with many film noir leads, the Swede is a character trapped by fate. Lancaster's performance sells the idea that the Swede knows he cannot escape his past actions, which will lead to inevitable consequences. He embodies the existential themes of the genre, where past choices inexorably lead to doom.

Chemistry with Co-Stars

Lancaster's interactions with his co-stars, particularly Ava Gardner, help to flesh out his character's backstory and motivations. Through his reactions and the way he delivers his lines, Lancaster effectively communicates the Swede's complex history and the reasons for his current despair.

In summary, Lancaster's role as the Swede is a study in the tragic hero of film noir. He crafts a memorable character whose physical decline and emotional depth reflect the fatalistic themes of the film. His work in "The Killers" set a standard for noir protagonists and remains a significant point of reference for actors within the genre.

Ava Gardner's role as Kitty Collins in "The Killers" is quintessential to her embodiment of the femme fatale archetype in film noir. Her performance is magnetic, projecting a captivating blend of allure, mystery, and danger.

Character Traits and Development

Kitty Collins is characterized by her beauty and seductiveness, which mask a manipulative and self-serving nature. Gardner plays Kitty with a cool confidence that draws characters and viewers alike into her web. As the story unfolds, her true nature is gradually revealed, showing her to be a complex character driven by self-preservation and a desire for control.

Allure and Manipulation

Gardner's Kitty Collins uses her charm and attractiveness as tools to influence the men around her, particularly the Swede, played by Burt Lancaster. Gardner conveys a sense of effortless control in these interactions, manipulating others with a smile or a glance. She epitomizes the femme fatale's power to use her femininity as a weapon, a common trait in film noir.

Moral Ambiguity

A hallmark of Gardner's performance is the ambiguity surrounding her character's motivations. She skilfully keeps the audience guessing about Kitty's true intentions and feelings. Is there vulnerability behind her calculating eyes, or is it another layer of her manipulation? Gardner's nuanced portrayal keeps this question open, adding depth to the character.

Impact on the Plot

Kitty Collins is central to the film's narrative, driving the events that lead to the Swede's downfall. Gardner's portrayal ensures that Kitty is not simply a plot device but a pivotal figure whose decisions and actions have significant consequences for herself and others.

Screen Presence

Gardner's screen presence in "The Killers" is undeniable. She holds her own against Lancaster's brooding intensity with a contrasting, almost serene composure. Her performance is both enthralling and unsettling, as she embodies the danger that lurks beneath her polished exterior.

• "I did something wrong... once." - Swede Andersen (Burt Lancaster)

This line reflects the central theme of fatalism in film noir, where the protagonist is haunted by a past mistake.

• "I'm poison, Swede, to myself and everybody around me! I'd be afraid to go with anyone I love for the harm I'd do to them!" - Kitty Collins (Ava Gardner)

Kitty acknowledges her destructive nature in this line, epitomizing the femme fatale's self-awareness of her toxic influence.

• "I think you're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With me, it's a full-time job. Now behave yourself." - Kitty Collins (Ava Gardner)

Here, Kitty asserts her control over Swede, encapsulating the femme fatale's power over the protagonist.

• "After all, it's not the killing that's wrong, it's the reasons people kill that's wrong." - Jim Reardon (Edmond O'Brien)

This quote encapsulates the moral ambiguity that is often at the heart of film noir.

• "You know something, Swede? I think you're afraid. You're yellow, just like Jim said you were." - Charleston (Vince Barnett)

An accusation that plays into the film's exploration of courage, loyalty, and betrayal.

• "He was the most 'no-good' guy that ever lived but that's not against the law." - Lt. Sam Lubinsky (Sam Levene)

This line delivers insight into the film's exploration of legality versus morality.

• "The last thing he ever said to me was, 'Just wait for me here, like a good girl.' I'm still waiting." - Lilly Harmon Lubinsky (Virginia Christine)

Lilly's line speaks to themes of loyalty and the tragic waiting for something that will never happen, a common thread in noir where characters often face unfulfilled desires.

"The Killers" is filled with such punchy, bleak dialogue that not only shapes the characters but also sets the tone for the audience's journey through the dark narrative landscape of the film.

Academy Awards (Oscars) 1947:

• Nominated for Best Director: Robert Siodmak
• Nominated for Best Film Editing: Arthur Hilton
• Nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture: Miklós Rózsa
• Nominated for Best Writing, Screenplay: Anthony Veiller

Despite these nominations, "The Killers" did not secure a win in any of these categories. However, the film's nominations, particularly for Robert Siodmak's direction and Miklós Rózsa's score, underscore its recognition within the industry as a distinguished example of the film noir genre. The movie has since become a classic, celebrated for its stylistic cinematography, influential storytelling, and as the film that launched Burt Lancaster's career.