Film versions of Raymond Chandler's novels represent exception to the rule of good literature being adapted into bad movies. Chandler's opus served as inspiration for some of Hollywood's classics. This might be an encouragement to new film-makers willing to adapt Chandler's texts, but it also sets standards unlikely to be met. This problem was encountered by the makers of Poodle Springs, 1998 cable television film directed by Bob Rafelson.
The plot, based on Robert S. Parker's treatment of Chandler's unfinished manuscript, is set in 1963. Philip Marlowe (played by James Caan) is aging Los Angeles private detective whose career was supposed to end with the marriage to Laura Parker (played by Dina Meyer), successful attorney and daughter of powerful real estate broker P.J. Parker (played by Phillip Baker Hall). Marlowe nevertheless tries to reconcile his professional life with new marital obligation and allows one phone call to bring him to the murder scene. Marlowe, himself a suspect, starts investigation in order to clear his name. In the meantime, wife tries to brings him to Poodle Springs, booming new town on Nevada border. There his services are hired by powerful men and investigation leads to Laura's best friend Muffy Blackstone (played by Julia Campbell).
Bob Rafelson, faced with budgetary constraints of cable television, succeeds in updating Chandler's world of 1940s Los Angeles to early 1960s. Michael Small's music soundtrack is right for this sort of film and contributes to the atmosphere. Tom Stoppard's script is also good, although political corruption subplot looks like an afterthought. The main problem of the film is James Caan who, although convincing as world-weary private detective, simply can't walk in Humphrey Bogart's and Robert Mitchum's shoes. Another problem is in Dina Meyer, actress who plays her role quite convincingly but that doesn't compensate for her lack of chemistry with Caan. On the other hand, those who don't expect this film to be in the same league with classic Chandler's adaptations won't be disappointed with Poodle Springs.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on September 28th 2004)
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