The Asphalt Jungle (1950) is a wonderful film, shot in documentary realism. The movie presents a step-by-step analysis of how a crime is organized, executed, investigated and resolved. The cinematography is stunning, and Miklos Rosza’s score (Spellbound, The Thief of Baghdad) is outstanding. In addition to its fantastic script, The Asphalt Jungle is also very sophisticated and witty, with excellent direction from John Huston and a gripping plot. Its quietness is noticeable and takes away some of the tension. Marilyn Monroe looks amazing, all curled up on the couch.
The Asphalt Jungle was the first crime film to tell the story from the criminals’ perspective. The plotting used to be dominated by pursuing officers or private detectives. Still, under Huston’s thoughtful guidance, we have a story of crime and a chance to empathize with many criminals, villains, and anti-heroes. Despite their different personalities, the gang shares a common bond since they all strive for a better life.
The film received four Academy Award nominations. In 2008, The Asphalt Jungle was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
Below are glamorous photos of Marilyn Monroe from ‘The Asphalt Jungle (1950)’.
