The Big Sleep - 1978 Version

quote:

---

The 1946 The Big Sleep is a landmark of film noir, elevated by Howard Hawks’ direction, Bogart and Bacall’s chemistry, and its evocative depiction of Chandler’s Los Angeles. Despite its narrative ambiguities, it remains a beloved classic. In contrast, the 1978 version, directed by Michael Winner, is a misguided adaptation that struggles with an incongruous setting, lackluster performances, and a failure to capture the novel’s essence. While it attempts to modernize the story, it lacks the style, charm, and cultural resonance of the 1946 film, making it a lesser adaptation in nearly every respect. For fans of Chandler or noir, the 1946 version is the definitive cinematic take on The Big Sleep.

---