Garp
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'Poodle Springs' [1998]
James Caan takes on Marlowe in this TV movie version of an unfinished Raymond Chandler novel, completed by Robert B Parker and adapted to the screen by Tom Stoppard.
Marlowe is old, his normal world-weariness reaching epic proportions. The only thing that appears to have put a spring in his step is his recent marriage to a younger, richer woman (the beautiful Dina Meyer). As a wedding gift, her wealthy father provides them with a new home in the desert resort of Poodle Springs. Can Marlowe settle down in unaccustomed comfort or will he be drawn back to the familiar grit of LA?
Considering the different fingers in this pie, the film is remarkably enjoyable. Caan plays a great Marlowe, completely appropriate to where his life has led him thus far. This Marlowe, set in late 1963 on the cusp of Kennedy's assassination, is a fish out of water. He dresses as if it's still the 40s and realises that he's an old man in a young man's game where the rules have changed. He is both fascinated and repulsed by this new life, marveling over an electric toothbrush whilst bristling at the sleazy politics he's now a part of.
The plot is the usual convoluted affair - Marlowe is the first on the scene of many murders, and there's a pornography angle not dissimilar to 'The Big Sleep'. The sub-plot involving Poodle Springs itself seems tacked on and is an unnecessary coda to the film. Still, there are some nice touches here - is Caan's constant inability to light his cigarette a playful nod at Gould's ease to do the same in 'The Long Goodbye', perhaps? - and it evokes an early 60s vibe albeit in a stylized TV-movie way. Overall, though, as an ending to my Philip Marlowe saga, it's an appropriate one, and a good one at that.
James Caan takes on Marlowe in this TV movie version of an unfinished Raymond Chandler novel, completed by Robert B Parker and adapted to the screen by Tom Stoppard.
Marlowe is old, his normal world-weariness reaching epic proportions. The only thing that appears to have put a spring in his step is his recent marriage to a younger, richer woman (the beautiful Dina Meyer). As a wedding gift, her wealthy father provides them with a new home in the desert resort of Poodle Springs. Can Marlowe settle down in unaccustomed comfort or will he be drawn back to the familiar grit of LA?
Considering the different fingers in this pie, the film is remarkably enjoyable. Caan plays a great Marlowe, completely appropriate to where his life has led him thus far. This Marlowe, set in late 1963 on the cusp of Kennedy's assassination, is a fish out of water. He dresses as if it's still the 40s and realises that he's an old man in a young man's game where the rules have changed. He is both fascinated and repulsed by this new life, marveling over an electric toothbrush whilst bristling at the sleazy politics he's now a part of.
The plot is the usual convoluted affair - Marlowe is the first on the scene of many murders, and there's a pornography angle not dissimilar to 'The Big Sleep'. The sub-plot involving Poodle Springs itself seems tacked on and is an unnecessary coda to the film. Still, there are some nice touches here - is Caan's constant inability to light his cigarette a playful nod at Gould's ease to do the same in 'The Long Goodbye', perhaps? - and it evokes an early 60s vibe albeit in a stylized TV-movie way. Overall, though, as an ending to my Philip Marlowe saga, it's an appropriate one, and a good one at that.