Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

Brief Intro

Released in 1957, “Sweet Smell of Success” is a gripping noir film directed by Alexander Mackendrick. Starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, this classic film explores the dark underbelly of the New York City press industry, weaving a tale of ambition, power, and moral compromise.

Literary Devices Used in Sweet Smell of Success

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
J.J. Hunsecker’s introduction	“I love this dirty town.” – Establishes character’s cynical worldview.
Sidney and Hunsecker’s meeting	“Match me, Sidney.” – Displays power dynamics and manipulation.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sidney’s ambition to rise in status	Despite his efforts, he remains morally compromised and socially ostracized.
J.J. Hunsecker’s control over others	His own life is devoid of true, meaningful relationships.

3. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cigarette lighting scenes	Represents power dynamics and control.
The persistent use of darkness/shadow	Symbolizes moral ambiguity and the hidden facets of characters’ lives.

4. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sidney’s initial desperation	Hints at his eventual downfall and moral compromise.
J.J.’s protective behavior	Foreshadows his extreme measures to control his sister’s life.

5. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
J.J.’s luxurious lifestyle vs. Sidney’s squalor	Highlights the disparity between power and those who serve it.
The glitzy city scenes vs. dark alleyways	Emphasizes the duality of the public façade and the gritty reality.

6. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
“Cat’s in the bag, bag’s in the river”	Metaphor for eliminating problems permanently.
“You’re a cookie full of arsenic.”	Describes a seemingly sweet but ultimately toxic personality.

7. Characterization

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sidney’s manipulation tactics	Establishes his character as morally flexible and opportunistic.
J.J.’s interactions with his sister	Reveals his possessive and controlling nature.

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Reference to Macbeth	“The more you stir it, the worse it stinks.” – Alludes to the futility of dealing with corruption.
J.J.’s literary references	Adds depth to his character as cultured yet corrupt.

9. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sidney’s grand promises to clients	Exaggerates his ability to control outcomes to gain their trust.
J.J.’s threats	Intensifies the sense of menace and control he wields.

10. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The entire film	Serves as an allegory for the corrupting influence of power and ambition in society.
The final scene	Represents the ultimate cost of moral compromise and manipulation.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

J.J. Hunsecker

Device	Explanation
Irony	J.J. Hunsecker is a media mogul who publicly upholds morality but privately engages in unethical manipulation.
Metaphor	His control over the press is often compared to a puppeteer controlling his puppets.

Sidney Falco

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Sidney’s relentless pursuit of success symbolizes the corrupting power of ambition.
Paradox	Sidney is both a victim and a perpetrator of the toxic environment created by J.J.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between J.J. and Sidney is central to the narrative. J.J. uses Sidney as a tool to execute his will, while Sidney seeks J.J.’s approval and power. This dynamic explores themes of power, control, and moral compromise.

Thematic Analysis

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The cigarette smoke symbolizes the moral decay and corruption prevalent in the media industry.
Atmosphere	The dark, oppressive cityscape creates a mood that underscores the themes of corruption and moral decay.

Device	Explanation
Irony	The irony in characters’ actions highlights the hypocrisy within the power structures.
Metaphor	The city’s nightscape serves as a metaphor for the murky ethics and shady dealings.

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Early hints of Sidney’s willingness to betray foreshadow his ultimate actions.
Allusion	References to contemporary culture ground the narrative in its time, enhancing the themes.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Atmosphere	Low-key lighting	Creates a mood of tension and unease that complements the story’s themes.
Symbolism	Close-up shots	Emphasizes symbolic items like cigarettes and telephones.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Visual metaphors	The cityscape often acts as a visual metaphor for the characters’ moral states.
Irony	Dialogue delivery	The actors’ delivery enhances the ironic undertones of their lines.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Paradox	Juxtaposition	Contrasting scenes and character actions highlight paradoxical elements.
Foreshadowing	Editing	Quick cuts and foreshadowing through visual hints build anticipation.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Scene: J.J. Hunsecker’s Confrontation with SidneyWatch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: This scene showcases J.J.’s manipulative power over Sidney, highlighting the themes of control and corruption.
2. Scene: The Jazz ClubWatch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: The jazz club scene uses atmosphere and symbolism to underscore the themes of moral ambiguity and the allure of success.
3. Scene: Final ConfrontationWatch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: The climactic scene where all tensions come to a head, illustrating the consequences of the characters’ actions and the film’s moral messages.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. Which literary device is primarily used to depict J.J. Hunsecker’s manipulation?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Symbolism
   • D) Foreshadowing
2. What does the cigarette smoke symbolize in the film?
   • A) Ambition
   • B) Success
   • C) Corruption
   • D) Freedom
3. Which scene best highlights the theme of moral decay?
   • A) J.J.’s Confrontation with Sidney
   • B) The Jazz Club
   • C) Final Confrontation
   • D) Opening Scene

Feel free to test your understanding and explore the depths of “Sweet Smell of Success” further!