The Big Combo

Plot

Police Lieutenant Leonard Diamond becomes obsessed with bringing down the powerful and sadistic gangster Mr. Brown, whose criminal empire seems untouchable. Diamond's investigation is complicated by his fixation on Brown's beautiful girlfriend, Susan Lowell, who is trapped in an abusive relationship with the gangster. As Diamond digs deeper into Brown's operations, he discovers connections to a mysterious woman named Alicia and faces resistance from both Brown's organization and his own police department. The investigation leads to violent confrontations, betrayals, and ultimately a dramatic showdown at an airport in thick fog, exposing the full extent of Brown's criminal network and Diamond's complex motivations.

Historical Background

The Big Combo emerged during the peak of the film noir cycle (1940s-1950s), reflecting post-war American anxiety and moral ambiguity. Released during the McCarthy era and Cold War paranoia, the film tapped into contemporary fears about corruption, hidden power structures, and the thin line between law and lawlessness. The 1950s saw increased scrutiny of violence in films, making The Big Combo's depiction of sadism and psychological torture particularly controversial. The film's exploration of organized crime mirrored real-life congressional investigations into the Mafia, which were gaining public attention. Its release coincided with the decline of the classic film noir period, making it one of the last great examples of the genre in its original form.

Making Of

The production faced several challenges during its tight 23-day shooting schedule. Director Joseph H. Lewis, known for his efficient shooting techniques, had to be creative with limited resources. The relationship between Cornel Wilde and Jean Wallace was complicated during filming, as their real-life marriage was experiencing difficulties, which ironically enhanced their on-screen tension. Lewis encouraged improvisation, particularly in the controversial torture scene, which shocked censors at the time. Cinematographer John Alton worked miracles with the lighting, creating the film's distinctive noir atmosphere using minimal equipment. The production team had to negotiate with airport authorities to film the climactic fog scene, which became one of the most memorable endings in film noir history.

Visual Style

John Alton's cinematography in The Big Combo is considered groundbreaking and represents some of the finest work in film noir history. His mastery of low-key lighting creates dramatic shadows and silhouettes that enhance the film's psychological tension. Alton employed innovative techniques such as shooting through Venetian blinds, using smoke and fog to create depth, and positioning lights at extreme angles to achieve dramatic effects. The film's visual palette is dominated by blacks and whites with minimal grays, creating stark contrasts that mirror the moral ambiguity of the characters. The famous airport finale, shot in thick artificial fog, demonstrates Alton's ability to create atmosphere and tension through visual means alone. His use of deep focus and wide-angle lenses adds to the film's sense of claustrophobia and entrapment.

Innovations

The Big Combo pioneered several technical innovations that would influence filmmaking for decades. John Alton's lighting techniques, particularly his use of practical light sources and minimal artificial lighting, created a more realistic and immersive visual style. The film's sound design was innovative for its use of off-screen sounds to create tension and suggest violence without always showing it explicitly. The fog sequence at the airport required multiple fog machines and specialized lighting techniques to achieve the desired atmospheric effect. The film's editing, particularly in the torture sequences, used jump cuts and rapid pacing to create psychological discomfort. The production team developed new methods for creating realistic gunshot sounds and impact effects that would become standard in later crime films.

Music

David Raksin composed the film's score, creating a haunting musical landscape that perfectly complements the noir atmosphere. Raksin, who had previously composed the famous theme for 'Laura,' brought his sophisticated understanding of psychological drama to The Big Combo. The score features jazz elements and dissonant harmonies that reflect the characters' inner conflicts and the film's moral ambiguity. Raksin's use of brass instruments and percussion creates tension during action sequences, while string arrangements underscore the romantic and obsessive elements of the story. The music never overwhelms the dialogue but subtly enhances the psychological depth of each scene. The main theme, with its melancholic saxophone melody, has become one of the most recognizable pieces of noir film music.

Memorable Scenes

• The shocking torture scene where Mr. Brown's men torment a blind man by amplifying his hearing aid, creating unbearable noise
• The climactic airport showdown filmed in thick fog, where Diamond confronts Brown in a visually stunning and tense sequence
• The first meeting between Diamond and Susan Lowell, where the detective's obsession becomes immediately apparent
• The scene where Brown demonstrates his power by crushing a light bulb in his bare hand
• The confrontation in Brown's office where the psychological battle between Diamond and Brown reaches its peak

What Critics Said

Initial critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers finding the film overly violent and melodramatic, while others praised its visual style and psychological complexity. The New York Times criticized its 'excessive brutality' but acknowledged its 'striking cinematography.' Over time, critical opinion has shifted dramatically, with modern critics hailing it as a masterpiece of film noir. Roger Ebert included it in his 'Great Movies' collection, praising its 'uncompromising vision and technical brilliance.' The film is now frequently cited in academic studies of film noir and is recognized as one of director Joseph H. Lewis's finest works. Contemporary critics particularly celebrate John Alton's cinematography as some of the best in noir history.

What Audiences Thought

The Big Combo found moderate success with 1950s audiences, particularly among fans of crime dramas and film noir. While it didn't achieve blockbuster status, it developed a strong following among urban audiences who appreciated its gritty realism and sophisticated themes. Over the decades, the film has gained a cult following among cinema enthusiasts and noir aficionados. Modern audiences discover it through film societies, revival screenings, and home video releases, with many praising its ahead-of-its-time psychological depth and visual artistry. The film's reputation has grown significantly through word-of-mouth and critical reevaluation, making it a beloved classic among those who appreciate the darker aspects of classic Hollywood cinema.

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