'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler (4.0)

As the basis for one of my favorite movies, I have been interested in reading the book that originally brought Philip Marlowe to life. Additionally, I had hoped that the book might elucidate many of the greyer areas of the movie. It did not disappoint. The book is filled with the witty dialogue of the movie – much word for word - as well as more detail on the steamier elements that were not allowed to be clear in a 1946 movie. Oddly, in addition to the great dialogue, one of the reasons I like the movie is that it is so confusing, every time I watch it; it’s like a new detective story that I have to unravel. The plot involves murder set amongst gambling, blackmail and drug use. In the movie, the blackmail material is not entirely clear. In the book, the naked pictures both used in blackmail and for purchase are center stage. The book is fast paced and still a bit complicated, but the vibrant characters with their attitudes and language are the highlight. Since much of the book followed the movie closely, I was surprised to find the Bogie-Bacall relationship was enhanced in the movie. Given their obvious chemistry, it made sense, but the book has a better angle to Marlowe’s feelings about her and others. If you are a fan of noir detective movies or books, you’ll enjoy this one.