AMC’s limited series Monsieur Spade continues a recent tradition of welcoming mystery fans back to a bygone era. Many viewers may not be fully aware of Sam Spade — whom Dashiell Hammett created in 1930 — but most know the name, thanks to Humphrey Bogart’s classic performance in 1941’s film version of The Maltese Falcon. Decades later, Spade still remains the quintessential hard-boiled private detective. Monsieur Spade walks a high-wire act of updating the character, while keeping him firmly ensconced in a nostalgic past.That fits right in with Hollywood’s current trend of revivals and reboots, but this project never feels like one. It doesn’t drag with unnecessary exposition or feel the need to make too many callbacks. Instead, Monsieur Spade focuses on telling a strong story that simply happens to be about an established hero. The fact that it’s also a co-production with French TV channel Canal+ also gives audiences a chance to step out of their comfort zone. While it may not be for everyone, those who love the detective genre will find much to admire.That’s important because the general beats of Spade’s return are very familiar: the hero disappears, attempting to live a quiet life until they’re pulled out of it by one more mystery, and then all their baggage comes tumbling out. Owen could easily fall into an archetype, emphasizing the detachment and the cynicism — but then the audience would wonder why they’re supposed to care if Spade doesn’t. Instead, the actor crafts a guy who’s still rough around the edges, but Owen’s own appreciation for Bogart gives Spade a certain amount of joy underneath. He’s clearly enjoying himself on screen and so the viewers enjoy watching him work, even when Spade is at his most abrupt.
AMC’s limited series Monsieur Spade continues a recent tradition of welcoming mystery fans back to a bygone era. Many viewers may not be fully aware of Sam Spade — whom Dashiell Hammett created in 1930 — but most know the name, thanks to Humphrey Bogart’s classic performance in 1941’s film version of The Maltese Falcon. Decades later, Spade still remains the quintessential hard-boiled private detective. Monsieur Spade walks a high-wire act of updating the character, while keeping him firmly ensconced in a nostalgic past.
That fits right in with Hollywood’s current trend of revivals and reboots, but this project never feels like one. It doesn’t drag with unnecessary exposition or feel the need to make too many callbacks. Instead, Monsieur Spade focuses on telling a strong story that simply happens to be about an established hero. The fact that it’s also a co-production with French TV channel Canal+ also gives audiences a chance to step out of their comfort zone. While it may not be for everyone, those who love the detective genre will find much to admire.
That’s important because the general beats of Spade’s return are very familiar: the hero disappears, attempting to live a quiet life until they’re pulled out of it by one more mystery, and then all their baggage comes tumbling out. Owen could easily fall into an archetype, emphasizing the detachment and the cynicism — but then the audience would wonder why they’re supposed to care if Spade doesn’t. Instead, the actor crafts a guy who’s still rough around the edges, but Owen’s own appreciation for Bogart gives Spade a certain amount of joy underneath. He’s clearly enjoying himself on screen and so the viewers enjoy watching him work, even when Spade is at his most abrupt.
#REVIEW #Monsieur #Spade #Honors #Classic #Influences #Clive #Owen #Shines
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