Hammett

Based on the novel by Joe Gores, and produced for Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Studios, Wim Wenders' 1982 homage to film noir is no Chinatown. In fact, it may not even be Wenders!: the director's official website references “forced interruptions” and “difficult experiences” during the making of his first American film. According to other Internet sources, Coppola himself took over the troubled production and recast and reshot much of the film. There is no audio commentary here to set the record straight on this career curiosity (for both artists), but those who are suckers for the genre may bask in this stylized and evocatively atmospheric film. A criminally unheralded Frederic Forrest stars as Hammett, a former Pinkerton detective and aspiring writer embroiled in the case of a missing Chinese prostitute (Lydia Lei). Over the course of the increasingly convoluted investigation, he will meet characters who savvy viewers and devoted readers will recognize as the inspiration for some of Hammett's most famous literary creations. A film noir is only as good as its character actors, of course, and Hammett offers some casting coups, including Peter Boyle as Hammett's mentor, Roy Kinnear as a shady bloke who evokes Sidney Greenstreet, and Elisha Cook, Jr. (from The Maltese Falcon) as a helpful cabbie. A bit out of her depth is Marilu Henner as Hammett's adoring librarian neighbor. Beware: the DVD box contains a major plot spoiler! Boasting a fine transfer, but no extras, this is a strong optional purchase. (D. Liebenson)