Loved this take Phillip Marlowe

There are many films featuring Philip Marlowe, the detective featured in the books of Raymond Chandler, and Humphrey Bogart remains the most renowned (The Big Sleep).

However, this film updates the character to the seventies and transforms him to a slobby, oafish private dick.

This was, apparently, very controversial in its day, described as 'a spit in the eye of a great writer.' However, it is definitely my favourite take on the character and is packed full of witty lines and excellent dialogue on the whole.

Elliott Gould is fantastic as the protagonist and Robert Altman confirms his place as one of my favourite directors.

The plot, concerning murder, scandal, double-crossing and corruption (as usual) plays second fiddle to the character and his exploits with his cat and the hippy girls next door.

The music is very good and strangely done, a theme played in many styles at many times, and look out for Arnold Scwarzenegger as a silent muscle-man.

Supposedly, this is one of Tarantino's favourites, and I can't agree more.

Watch it.