Rating: 
Summary: Movie Transcends the Material
Review: The photography is perfect, the score is magnificent. Robert Mitchum was made to play a middle aged Philip Marlowe, and his voice over has all the weariness and angst the most die hard noir fan could ask for. The mid-30's sets are impeccable. So what is there to complain about? I think the culprit is Raymond Chandler.One of the most quotable of the hard-boiled writers, his writing sang but his plots were so convoluted, the reader needs a scorecard to keep track of the story. Marlowe is hired by ex-con Moose Malloy to find his elusive love Velma. Until the bloody finale, that was the last time I was clear about the action. I commend all the actors for delivering fine performances, particularly Sylvia Myles who played the hopeless alcoholic, Mrs. Florian. She was piercingly pathetic as a nice girl who couldn't quite believe she was a middle-aged drunk. Robert Mitchum allowed merciless lighting that occasionally made him look like a guy who has had one too many face-lifts. This film version of "Farewell My Lovely" is probably as good as it gets. I recommend "Out of the Past" for Mitchum and noir fans.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, but not quite a masterpiece.
Review: This film is a remake of Murder My Sweet with Dick Powell. The earlier version is in black and white and very 40's in its approach. Farewell My Lovely is in color and though it tries to capture the old film noir feeling, it is a touch more cynical and modern. Nevertheless it is a fine rendition. It is hard to choose between the two versions as each has its individual charm. Robert Mitchum is older and heavier than my mental picture of Phillip Marlowe, but he brings convincing gravitas to the role. Charlotte Rampling is at her most delectable self. The supporting roles are extremely well done. The music definitely adds to the atmosphere. Some of my friends found the plot too complex to follow. I found this to be an asset and part of the essence of the genre. While not quite in the league of a masterpiece like Chinatown, this film holds its own with such modern approximations of film noir like LA Confidential. Turn to Double Indemnity, The Big Sleep, and To Have and Have Not for the real thing. Meanwhile, you can confidently enjoy this movie too.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but not quite a masterpiece.
Review: This film is a remake of Murder My Sweet with Dick Powell. The earlier version is in black and white and very 40's in its approach. Farewell My Lovely is in color and though it tries to capture the old film noir feeling, it is a touch more cynical and modern. Nevertheless it is a fine rendition. It is hard to choose between the two versions as each has its individual charm. Robert Mitchum is older and heavier than my mental picture of Phillip Marlowe, but he brings convincing gravitas to the role. Charlotte Rampling is at her most delectable self. The supporting roles are extremely well done. The music definitely adds to the atmosphere. Some of my friends found the plot too complex to follow. I found this to be an asset and part of the essence of the genre. While not quite in the league of a masterpiece like Chinatown, this film holds its own with such modern approximations of film noir like LA Confidential. Turn to Double Indemnity, The Big Sleep, and To Have and Have Not for the real thing. Meanwhile, you can confidently enjoy this movie too.
Rating: 
Summary: "New" Old Time Detective Thriller
Review: To many of the reviews I've read rave on about Ms. Rampling, and while she is good in her small role, this is a Robert Mitchum Movie, and he is very good in it..... Actually, if it was B&W you'd look at it like an old Bogie film like "The Big Sleep",or any one of a dozen classic detective flix..... Anyway, I happen to get my hands on one of the rare DVD's and it was in great shape. But it's the story...this is one of those films you get to watch 5 times before you actually follow everything that's going on...... I truly enjoyed it, and you will too.
Rating:
Summary: Dick Richards Magic
Review: Very few films can evoke the noir attitude of the 40,s ..this film does on all counts. What better way to start a film than have the baratone of Mitchum narrating the action. The bags on Mitchum,s eyes are in character. He moves mostly very slow...even in the last reel when John Ireland ( Nulty) asks him what happened..he replys...have ( Anthony Zerbe) him tell you...I,m too tired. Listen for all the great dialogue...and Jerry Goldsmith,s score is on target also....Charlotte Rampling and Harry Dean Stanton are terrific. Recent films such as L.A. Confidential...are absurd when compared to items like this..
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