Movie Notes: Sweet Smell of Success

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: this is a first in a series of short pieces I'll write regarding films I've seen. I'll ask the same questions about each, and record my initial thoughts for posterity. Also: SPOILER ALERT.]

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, 1957.

SUMMARY

A newspaper press agent, Sydney Falco, seeks to make himself indispensable to a noted NYC newspaper columnist and radio personality, JJ Hunsecker, by any means necessary, which includes smearing the fiance of Hunsecker's sister as a communist and fiendish "marijuana smoker." Unfortunately for Falco, human beings have feelings and Falco's not prepared to deal with the fallout of his machinations.

MEANING OF THE TITLE

In his pursuit of wealth and prestige, Falco manipulates and outright lies all those we're introduced to, including Hunsecker, Hunsecker's sister Susan, her fiancee and jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. After seemingly coming out on top following the execution of his scheme to break up Susan and Steve, Falco announces a toast while drinking with some of his press buddies (I guess) at a nearby bar: to "the sweetest perfume, Success!"

MOST SIGNIFICANT REVELATION

I had no idea of the role of the press agent in the Age of the Newspaper. I have a much better understanding of the influence of the printed word in the days prior to television's (and now, of course the Internet's) rise as the primary source of information and propaganda. This film captured that essence rather well. I never expected to see a newspaper columnist's high-rise apartment so well decorated, and along Broadway in New York City. It seemed no problem for Hunsecker to provide for himself and his sister quite well.

BEST CHARACTER JOURNEY

I enjoyed seeing Susan's character. She's a fragile 19-year-old whose life is obsessively dominated by her brother JJ. Seeing her pushed into desperation and finally escape was a nice journey to observe (and played out with a happier ending than I suspected). Falco was a jerk, and JJ turned out to be a petty megalomaniac even more refined at the art of manipulation than Falco. Seeing Susan come out of it more mature and actually alive was pleasing to see.

WORST TELEGRAPHED MOMENT

It was pretty clear from early on that any young, impressionable woman in the film was fragile and kept by domineering, predator men. I was wondering how soon it would be before Susan attempted suicide as the only way to escape her brother.

UNSUNG HERO

Edith Atwater, as JJ Hunsecker's secretary. Her scene with Falco in the press office was an understated, well-paced testament to her talent and understanding of the relationships of power in the newspaper "scene" and between Falco and Hunsecker. I loved seeing her behaviour, and the way the scene played out.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Black and white films in the hands of skilled cinematographers never disappoint, and I especially enjoyed the closing scenes where a drunken, groggy Falco investigates Hunsecker's apartment.

WHAT'S THIS FILM ABOUT?

Something about how manipulating other people is a skill, but it's not an admirable one. From Falco's boots-on-the-ground lying and scheming, to the police chief as thug-for-hire, to Hunsecker's grip over the newspaper and radio (and as a result, public opinion thanks to what's essentially a gossip column on steroids), using those skills to make a profit isn't worth it, considering the inevitable personal carnage one leaves behind.