Title: Overwrought & Overwritten
Product review: The Big Knife is Clifford Odet's tale from the dark side of Hollywood, clumsily adapted from his stage play about a mega star yearning to break free from the the studio yoke. Most of the supporting cast offer fairly low-key performances while the major players seem miscast, especially Jack Palance. He's a fine actor but tries to keep his part interesting by relentlessly mugging, exercising and sweating his way around the set. I'm not suggesting that you don't watch this curiosity...by all means, you need to see it just for the sheer pleasure watching Rod Steiger's scenery-chewing movie mogul. His odd vocal cadence and fevered histrionics became a staple for any comedian doing impressions in the 60's.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
