It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Existing reviews have at least one thing right: the camera work is impressive: very long takes with no cuts. But in just about every other respect this movie is amateurish, treats women as in a cheap 1960s porn movie and features cringe-worthy writing. Amateurish to the hilt. A few very good actors cannot save the adolescent, self-conscious dialog. The bad actors don't help either. The estimable John Hawkes is a round peg in the square hole of this movie. We stopped watching after 40 minutes.

This is a bad imitation of Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" complete with almost backward story order (something like scenes #2,#5,#1,#3,#6,#4), and it is weighed down by unlikely dialogue with too many self-references to cinematic conventions.I was expecting more because so many people liked this movie, but the very things that some liked or that only slightly bruised the product for others, are major peeves for me. I did not care for the self- consciousness of the dialogue, plot or camera work.The P.I. who learned his trade from a book is an annoying gimmick, as is the surveilling detective as a metaphor for guys stalking women. I can only say in its favor that this movie has several good performances and gave work to some of my favorites including Robert Forster ("Jackie Brown") in cameo roles.

It was an amazing experience. It's a narrative told in a very nonlinear style. The first thing I thought of was Tarantino, but it's very not Tarantino, as it's not heavy on Trivial dialog, it's very to the point and counts on the emotion of these well designed characters.characters well done that come alive with great actors. Lead by John Hawkes the actors all had amazing chemistry with each other. I was surprised by how many actors I actually knew on this small film. Like Rider Strong from Boy meets World and Robert Forester, to name just two. It's really worth it to catch it on a screen showing it in 35mm. The camera work and the cinematography add so much to the personality of the film.Pure enjoyment, highly recommended.

film noir is alive and well in 2016. I was thinking veronica lake and alan ladd, but some one said lizabeth scott. anyway, it would be almost impossible to review this film without spoilers. you've got a pi looking for a killer, with flashbacks. for once the hero has the exact look necessary, no pretty boy here. the women are good, too. it is all familiar and yet new. there are also shades of Tarantino (as noted above). oddly enough there are some scenes which I normally would find extremely offensive to women and most likely would have walked out on, but somehow the set up here made it o.k. I enjoyed the film very much. it's a perfect noir.