Hammett (1982) Reviews

Hammett (1982)
Member Rating:  
Director Wim Wenders made his American film bow with the ultra-stylish Hammett. Based on the speculative novel by Joe Gores, the story concerns real-life detective novelist Dashiell Hammett (Frederic Forest), who early in his career is involved in a complex mystery that will profoundly influence his later works. While hacking away for pulp magazines, Hammett is asked by Jimmy Ryan (Peter Boyle), his old boss at the Pinkerton agency (and the model for the writer's "Continental Op" character), to help out on a particularly difficult case. Before long, Hammett is prowling the nooks and crannies of San Francisco in search of a missing Chinese prostitute-blackmailer (Lydia Lei). Among the several delectable "inside jokes" in Hammett is the presence of Elisha Cook, who'd appeared in the 1941 film adaptation of Hammett's Maltese Falcon, as Eli the Cab Driver. Cinematographers Philip H. Lathrop and Joseph Biroc work overtime to invest Hammett with the "feel" of a classic 1940s detective yarn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Frederic Forrest, Peter Boyle, (more)
Director(s):
Wim Wenders
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD & HD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(10 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Marc L.

This film is a case of the concept sounded better in discussions than the final filmed result. Great Director, Wim Wenders and Francis Ford Coppola executive producing; a winning team for sure -- but this film just doesn't work. It would have been better as a bio pic about Hammett than this fantasy story. Good role for Peter Boyle and Frederic Forrest is good though not quite a fit for Hammett, I thought. Not a bad film just not a great film either. My Grade: C Marc L. Seattle, WA

Yes   |   No


JENNY O.

I liked the time era and characters but the movie was a bit slow for me, maybe I'm too used to the fast paced shoot em up type movies of the 21st century?

Yes   |   No


LESTER P.

Fun to watch and true to the genre. Lots of characters and events from the novels and movies. Fun to see them. Also enjoyed casting of Elisha Cook. Story is decent but a bit predictable. The Nostalgia could detract some from the mystery. Interesting was how uncrowded San Francisco was. Worth a view if you like this genre, but do not expect Maltese Falcon or Big Sleep.

Yes   |   No


Karl B.

Sort of clunky and hard to follow. At times realistic, at other times a blend of Hammett stories and characters. The scenery is very stagy as is the dialog and delivery. Very boring half way into the movie.

Yes   |   No


Leo K.

Well done. A little confusing at times but an interesting approach. Worth watching, enjoyable with some twists.

Yes   |   No


Sat Bir Kaur K.

I also found this movie a bit boring...no surprises and while emulating the genre, didn't add anything to it...the touch of humor about the stolen manuscript and getting back to writing, rather than living could have made this a more interesting film, but it was handled too briefly...

Yes   |   No


Ronald S.

Warren I seriously think you need glasses or to get your eye's examined some time soon,please? This movie is titled "HAMMET" , not "HAMLET" !!!(LOL)

Yes   |   No


Korby S.

There is so much that is great about this movie - the sets, the clothes, and story, sometimes the language - sometimes horrible, over-the-top, sometimes smooth and Forest's groovin with Marilu Henner. They try hard, but I think Wim Wenders let everyone down - he has no ear for the American language, which makes everything hit-and-miss. But see it for sure.

Yes   |   No


Roman B.

I have been waiting three weeks for the replacement disc. If you can't rectify the problem then cancel my subscription IMMEDIATELY.

Yes   |   No


Warren S.

I think Mel Gibson’s Hamlet has ruined every new version of this William Shakespear masterpiece. This is not even close, there seemed to me as if there was just a little much fluff to the costumes and the set didn’t bring the feel of the period that Gibson’s version did. THIS IS NOT A BAD VERSION, but the comparisons to the aforementioned which makes this version a poor stepsister. I happen to like the William Shakespeare works that have been brought to the screen with the exception of the last Romeo and Juliet with Sting. Which was just to a bazar. I think if you want to see a truly great Hamlet, watch Gibson as Hamlet. That’s right. I said Mel Gibson.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND


Available to:  Watch on 27 devices.
See system requirements.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (10)
     
    Marc L.

    This film is a case of the concept sounded better in discussions than the final filmed result. Great Director, Wim Wenders and Francis Ford Coppola executive producing; a winning team for sure -- but this film just doesn't work. It would have been better as a bio pic about Hammett than this fantasy story. Good role for Peter Boyle and Frederic Forrest is good though not quite a fit for Hammett, I thought. Not a bad film just not a great film either. My Grade: C Marc L. Seattle, WA

    Yes   |   No

     
    JENNY O.

    I liked the time era and characters but the movie was a bit slow for me, maybe I'm too used to the fast paced shoot em up type movies of the 21st century?

    Yes   |   No

     
    LESTER P.

    Fun to watch and true to the genre. Lots of characters and events from the novels and movies. Fun to see them. Also enjoyed casting of Elisha Cook. Story is decent but a bit predictable. The Nostalgia could detract some from the mystery. Interesting was how uncrowded San Francisco was. Worth a view if you like this genre, but do not expect Maltese Falcon or Big Sleep.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 10 Reviews
       

      Quick Links

      Email Exclusives

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      FIND MOVIES

      ALL MOVIES

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

       

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.