The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon is representative of the classic mid-20th century detective murder mystery. In particular, this film's focus on Detective Spade's feelings towards Mrs. O'Shaughnessy gives a different spin on the interpersonal relationships which detectives form in these murder mysteries. In The Valley of Fear, Sherlock Holmes basically had no interpersonal relationships with any other characters other than his partner Watson. In The Purloined Letter and The Murders in the Rue Morgue, Dupin's only apparent relationship was with his partner and even that one was not focused on heavily by Poe in either story. The Maltese Falcon, in this regard, gives us a view of the detective as an average human, one with the ability to fall in love and lust for others. I believe that Spade did love Mrs. O'Shaughnessy. I also believe that he was strongly considering not giving Mrs. O'Shaugnessey up to the police for the murder of Archer, as can be seen through the evident internal conflict he had when he confronted her. It is emotion, which Spade held to throughout the film, which gives this particular representation of a mystery story a different perspective on the detective as seen by the audience, at least compared to other things we've read and seen in class.
Along with the focus on the feelings of the detective in the story, The Maltese Falcon also has some other noticeable qualities in the way it progresses through the mystery. For example, as compared to Poe's Dupin and Doyle's Holmes, Spade makes very rational conclusions. The audience can easily follow his conclusions, especially at the end when he accuses Mrs. O'Shaugnessey about her motives and actions concerning the murders. In addition, Spade quickly looses his partner, Archer, early on in the movie. Archer is the incentive for Spade to investigate and pursue the murders in the beginning of the movie. Spade essentially has to go through all of his detective work alone, without any help, which is something rather common in the detective stories we have read. Partners tend to be dispensable in these stories, as they play no major roles in the progression of the mystery, except for maybe the case of Watson in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Overall I enjoyed the movie and think it is an excellent representation of the classic American murder mystery, and it can be used as a basis of comparison with other detective/murder mystery cases, such as those found in Poe's The Purloined Letter and The Murders in the Rue Morgue, as well as Conan Doyle's works on Sherlock Holmes.
Along with the focus on the feelings of the detective in the story, The Maltese Falcon also has some other noticeable qualities in the way it progresses through the mystery. For example, as compared to Poe's Dupin and Doyle's Holmes, Spade makes very rational conclusions. The audience can easily follow his conclusions, especially at the end when he accuses Mrs. O'Shaugnessey about her motives and actions concerning the murders. In addition, Spade quickly looses his partner, Archer, early on in the movie. Archer is the incentive for Spade to investigate and pursue the murders in the beginning of the movie. Spade essentially has to go through all of his detective work alone, without any help, which is something rather common in the detective stories we have read. Partners tend to be dispensable in these stories, as they play no major roles in the progression of the mystery, except for maybe the case of Watson in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Overall I enjoyed the movie and think it is an excellent representation of the classic American murder mystery, and it can be used as a basis of comparison with other detective/murder mystery cases, such as those found in Poe's The Purloined Letter and The Murders in the Rue Morgue, as well as Conan Doyle's works on Sherlock Holmes.
I also found the connections between Sam and the other characters to be interesting. Dupin and Holmes have little interactions with others, but Sam seems to have deeper connections with other people than with his partner. Sam is quick to erase Archer's name off the office windows, and takes the mystery on himself. Contrasting the works of Doyle, Sam doesn't have a main partner to rely on throughout the film. Perhaps you could say his secretary is, but she isn't nearly as involved as Watson would be with Holmes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea that there are comparisons between Spade, Holmes and Dupin. The Maltese Falcon was adapted from a book so the author was most likely influenced by Doyle and Poe.
ReplyDeleteI like how you focused on Spade's interpersonal relationships and ability to express emotions. In contrast, Sherlock Holmes seems explicitly indifferent and even disinterested in having a relationship with a woman. He does not see affection or love necessary. However, Spade's emotions and relationship with Iva Archer, and Mrs. O'Shaughnessy influence his opinions on how to proceed with resolving the mystery: how does he approach Miles Archer's murder without revealing his affair with Iva, making him seem a likely suspect for murder? Does he turn in Mrs. O'Shaughnessy for murdering Miles Archer, sacrificing a potential future lover?
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