![]() ![]() I'm not aiming to discredit the other review when I say, I saw Robinson's role more favorably, as it didn't require any thugging or mugging, just insult and demand- to be respected and glorified- and with holding up the resort for a meeting with the Miami Mob, he was selectively refined and distinguished- in that self acclaimed fashion of a crook- with his vain aha's, yeah mister's, and ya see's, he was proud and in charge- as the only threat was Bogey, who knew to let em be, mostly, that is, until a chance might arise, and of course, a chance where no one would be hurt. A thematically potent core along with good direction and acting make 'Key Largo' an easy recommendation.Yes, great movie, not for it's action, as this is a character film, with the action marinating as it goes. 'Key Largo' is thematically a film which wrestles the idea of whether someone should or shouldn't give a damn even if he/she feels an assertive action doesn't mean much in the bigger picture. The only flaw is that the shootout scenes are very clumsily directed and almost look comical now after all these years. The staging of 90 percent of the film in the confines of the interiors of Hotel Largo adds to the claustrophobia which the viewer feels along with McCloud, Nora and Temple. Huston's biggest achievement is maintaining a tone of suspense throughout the running time. There are some carefully used tracking shots and extreme close-ups for artistic purposes that work perfectly and the film on Blu-Ray looks very pleasing to the eye. Although Huston doesn't use too many attention seeking shots or too much fancy camera work, one can easily see the noir-ish elements in the lighting and prominent shadows in the film. It takes a lot to be in the same scene with Bogart and go toe to toe with him in terms of exuding authoritativeness, but Robinson does it effortlessly. Johnny Rocco oozes charisma and a sense of control. ![]() Robinson is a dynamite in every scene he is in. Nora's presence and her innocent sweetness has an undeniable effect on McCloud which makes him reconsider his moral stance and contemplate the idea doing something instead of continuing his reluctance about standing up to the gangsters. There are genuinely sweet and charming moments between Bogart and Bacall. Instead of being the 'Femme fatale' with the seductive allure and the sharp tongue, her character Nora is a sweet, kind-hearted widow taking care of her father-in-law. Lauren Bacall doesn't give us the quintessential 'Lauren Bacall' performance either. There is an ambiguity to his character that makes him interesting. ![]() But McCloud also shows signs of selfishness and cowardly reluctance which are a consequence of his pessimism towards life after war. Bogart gives a subdued performance with moments of tenderness reminiscent of the tenderness of Rick Blaine in 'Casablanca'. He is a sane version of Travis Bickle, he might have been a vibrant, hopeful man in his pre-service days, but after coming back from the war and watching an America that has further collapsed into corruption, mob activity and evil, he has slipped into a state of depression and deliberate indifference. McCloud is a war veteran who has now become a homeless drifter due to his lack of interest in a settled life. This is not a very characteristic role for Bogart. This is epitomised by the character of Frank McCloud played by Humphrey Bogart. It's about the loss of a self-respecting identity. John Huston's 'Key Largo' is set in a Post World War II America and the film is unapologetic about showcasing the pessimism that had enveloped America and Americans after the war.
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