The Man with the Golden Arm | Full Movie | Movies Anywhere

Saul Bass's credit titles are as brilliant as one might expect after Carmen Jones but this is an unattractive film: not because the subject is painful, but because [Preminger], with his thorough skill, shows himself so profoundly insensitive to its pain.

Sinatra gives a perfect portrayal of a man pulled out of line by forces stronger than he. Torn between his dream of a new life and the insidious circumstances of the old, Frankie is caught like a rat in a maze.

The core of The Man With the Golden Arm is its horrific and honest theme. And Frank Sinatra's performance makes it valid. This is a strong, lurid and gripping film.

It's not a pretty picture, but it packs a lot of punch.

Preminger gives you the feeling of claustrophobia, to be sure, but that's not the only reason you'd like to get out. Along with in there is a growing sense of monotony and, in my case at least, an increasing disassociation with the whole shabby affair.