The Long Goodbye

Before even seeing the film, my first thoughts were that I was interested to see Elliot Gould in a role when he is a younger man. Upon doing some research, I found that I probably saw him for the first time when I saw Capricorn One as a kid, but I didn't know who any actors really were back then. I guess I am used to seeing him in more recent films as a bit older than when this movie was made.

As the movie opens, I immediately took a liking to Marlowe because he seemed to really care about his cat, in a Marlowe kind of way, even going to the store in the wee hours of the morning to get the cat his favorite brand of cat food! Love it.

Marlowe's laid back personality is something I can relate to. I have often been told that I am a very laid back individual and so is he. Maybe more so. I mean, he lives across the way from a group of girls who are half-naked most of the time and doesn't really blink an eye.

I was a bit tired the day we watched the film, so I wasn't at full speed and the plot seemed to lose me. But upon reviewing the plot synopsis, I can see what was going on. But Atlman, definitely took time to give the characters personality that one can't forget like Marty's breaking of the bottle over his girlfriends face or the drunken Roger Wade, who eventually walks into the ocean and ends his life.

There is definitely some charm in the wit of the movie. I really like Marlowe, his chain smoking and all, as he smart mouths detectives or when he gives the directions to the gangster who is supposed to be watching him at his place.

I'm not sure I'm analyzing this, but I thought it odd but hilarious that at one point in the film the camera focuses in on 2 dogs humping. ?Also it was a treat to get to see Schwarzanegger in an early role.