The Killers: 1946 or 1964?

Thursday, January 14, 2010 12:28 PM By Simon , In




For those of you who don't know, The Killers originated as a short story by Ernest Hemingway back when he was doing those sorts of things. It was about two men who came to town, to kill a Swedish boxer hiding out there. Their reasons aren't specified, but it is assumed that it has something to do with the boxer's refusal to throw a fight. At the time, it was most notable for featuring Nick Adams, a regular character in Hemingway's stories, who enters into his teen years here.

It was adapted several times. The first was feature length and starring Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner, in her breakout role. The second, a short student film by Andrei Tarkovsky, later a renowned Soviet director of such films as the original Solaris. The third was originally intended to be the first made-for-TV movie, but released in theatres because of the violence, stars John Cassavetes (Rosemarry's husband in Rosemary's Baby , and a pioneer in independent cinema), Lee Marvin, and Angie Dickinson.

Alright, enough history. I'm not weighing in on Tarkovsky's version (here), or any of the other short films made in the past two decades based on this story. Just the two features.

PROS AND CONS

1946


STORY: The same as the story up until the death of one "Swede" Anderson, with a Shady Past and a Dark Secret, wherein an investigator for an insurance company investigates the circumstances of his death, and discovers an intricate plot of robbery and betrayel, involving mastermind Colfax (Albert Dekker) and mysterious love of the Dead and Deceased, Kitty (Gardner).

PROS:
Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster. A suspenseful opening scene in the diner the Swede frequents, followed by the iconic frame of Anderson before his death. Good acting from the supporting cast. Black-and-white. A cold, classic-noir atmosphere. Engaging plot, well paced, etc. Soundtrack. Broad-chested policemen chomping cigars and calling everybody 'pal' and 'buddy'.

CONS:
Slow, drags on.

1964:


PLOT: Basically, it's the same, except now the boxer is a racecar driver named Johnny North, now a teacher at a school for the blind. Two hitmen, played by Lee Marvin and Clu Gulager, come in, rough up the secretary of the school and some blind guys (Damn. It.), before storming the class North is teaching. Instead of running or begging for his life, he simply moves away from his students to take the shots. Later, on a train going An-y-where, Charlie, the older and more experienced of the duo, is bothered by Johnny's impassiveness, and he convinces his partner to help him track down those who knew him, and find out why.

PROS:
John Cassavetes. The slow, melodramatic, but brutal violence that the sixties and seventies produced, before all the choreographed PG-13 shit of the eighties kicked in. Higher paced than original. Lee Marvin being badass.

CONS:
Angie Dickinson (I'm not saying she's bad in general, just in this), off-kilter plot, Adaption Distillation, the throttling of blind people (I'm no moral trumpet or anything, but Christ), meh acting.

Oh, and a supporting role by a certain guy who once had a very important job, an economic system named after him, and an extremely specific fanbase. Give up? Why not take a closer look at the pciture of the dude pimp-slapping Ava Gardner up above.

Yeah.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Incredible story there. What happened after?
Thanks!
My webpage :: old holborn yellow

December 4, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Anonymous said...

This website truly has all of the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject
and didn't know who to ask.
my site: amber leaf

December 5, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Anonymous said...

I do consider all the ideas you have presented on your post.
They're really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for beginners. May just you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Feel free to visit my blog post ... van nelle

December 5, 2012 at 6:22 AM
Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading an article that can make men and women think.
Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
Feel free to visit my web blog - samson review

December 13, 2012 at 12:23 AM
Anonymous said...

Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.

Any recommendations?
My weblog : golden virginia tobacco

December 13, 2012 at 2:26 AM
Anonymous said...

That is very fascinating, You're a very professional blogger. I've joined your feed and
look ahead to in the hunt for extra of your fantastic post.
Additionally, I've shared your site in my social networks
Here is my web site : amphora tobacco

December 13, 2012 at 3:07 AM
Anonymous said...

Hello there, just became alert to your blog through
Google, and found that it is truly informative.
I'm gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Have a look at my blog post ... Yourtobaccosstore.Com

December 13, 2012 at 5:32 PM
Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its fastidious discussion regarding this article at this
place at this website, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Here is my web page : erinmore flake

December 13, 2012 at 6:17 PM