The Detective

The 67% review score that The Detective has is a result that is overly flattering given its actual quality. Douglas' film is a unique example of the contemporary sterile studio production, against which there was a rebellion of independent filmmakers in America and, for example, the French New Wave emerged in France. It certainly is not a bad movie in the true sense of the word, just a tired classic "sensation" film that tries to be stylish, gritty, and in a sense "progressive" (homosexuality is not a crime but a sickness), but the lack of courage and interference from studio management prevent it from surpassing its own shadow. Sinatra does his best, but his presence cannot overcome this handicap. Overall impression: 45%. (02/05/2010)