Kiss Me Deadly (1955, Robert Aldrich)

One of the most brutal movies (especially because of some very violent scenes - and ideas - of tortures) from 50's is still provoking these days. In fact, it is based on book of Mickey Spillane who was very productive writer of that era. Many critics regard it as "ultimate film noir" but there's some elements of that genre that are not in this movie. There's no narration, femme fatale died in the beginning etc. but the main hero is so problematic and ammoral person that you have no sympathy for him, and it's maybe something that mostly defines this genre - there is no good guys against bad guys and nobody is sympathetic. But when you realize how much morality has his opponents, you will forgive him some "excesses" like torturing maybe innocent guy, his masculine view and mortifying females.
In this movie you'll see some very familiar faces, but I must admit that I wasn't sure are they really in this movie. First, Cloris Leachman, very good actress who appeared in many Mel Brooks movies, is girl who hitchhiked dressed only in raincoat and in that way involved Ralph Meeker, anti-social private eye Mike Hammer (sounds familiar, isn't it?) who wants to investigate this case not because of feeling of justice but for curiosity and his pride. Even he realized that there's so dangerous situation, he still wanted to fight against that gang who has "something very dangerous". Second, it was surprise for me when I saw very young Jack Elam, star of many classical westerns (although he was supported actor in all of them)
One of my favourite scenes is when boss of that gang (it is maybe better to say "organization" talking with young lady in metaphors because he is so "intelligent" that he cannot talk in common manner. It's very ironic and in some way soffisticated scene.
So, buy it or rent it, I really recommend it!!!