6.7
Where can I stream The Big Knife legally?
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The Big Knife fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some satire and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody6
- Dark Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Show business, politics, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Big Knife is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome satire and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
World
MediumShow business, politics, and the mind
Its world is built around show business, politics, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood
Movie star Charlie Castle draws the ire of Hollywood producer Stanley Hoff when he refuses to sign a new seven-year contract. Castle is sick of the low quality of the studio's films and wants to start a new life. While his estranged wife supports him in the decision, Castle's talent agent urges him to reconsider. When Castle continues to be uncooperative, Hoff resorts to blackmail in order to get his way.
Hollywood MelodramaShowbiz EthicsBlackmail & BetrayalMoral CorruptionPsychological DramaCynicalStifling AmbitionClassic CinemaClaustrophobic
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Big Knife
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Big Knife worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 6.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 91%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Big Knife rated?
NRStrong language
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is The Big Knife?
1 h 51 min
The Big Knife runs 1 h 51 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Big Knife?
Critics91
Audiences63
Not quite. Critics rate The Big Knife higher (91) than audiences (63). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Big Knife in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Big Knife?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Big Knife in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Big Knife use?
Actor AllusionAnd StarringAs You KnowBath SuicideCigarette of AnxietyCrocodile TearsDowner EndingThe DragonRomantic False LeadHorrible HollywoodSpiteful SpitPolitically Incorrect Villainand 11 more
TV Tropes lists 23 storytelling tropes for The Big Knife, including Actor Allusion, And Starring, As You Know.