"Marlowe", classic film noir

I must say that I came to see "Marlowe" with great expectations, as I am a self-confessed admirer of classic 40s film noir.

And from the very first frame I knew that Neil Armstrong had understood perfectly what makes this genre great.

Seeing Los Angeles bathed in the darkness of Raymond Chandler again, with that characteristic aesthetic of shadows and chiaroscuro, took me straight back to the golden age of hard-boiled detectives.

But without a doubt what surprised me most was Liam Cunningham's performance. He played the original Marlowe with a fluency and command of dialogue that had me transfixed from start to finish.

Armstrong demonstrates a clinical eye for direction and a great respect for the essence of noir in every shot.

Of course, I will be sure to fervently recommend "Marlowe" to all lovers of good mystery films.

Personally, it will remain one of my favourite films of the genre.

I can only congratulate the director for giving us back the timeless Marlowe we celebrate so much.

A filmic gem that will endure.