黑色电影（film noir），准确地说是经典黑色电影（classic film noir），可能是好莱坞黄金时代最为独特的一种存在。nn虽然生命周期不足20年（从1940年开始，以1958年奥逊·威尔斯的《历劫佳人》为结束标志），其独特的影像风格、深刻的人物塑造依然深深影响着后来者。所以回到当代，但凡涉及主题比较黑暗、人物处在道德边缘的电影，都会被人们称作黑色电影。nn黑色电影是这样一种电影类别，你没法用简单的语言或是标签来定义它，但在观赏时却可以明确指出一部电影算不算是黑色电影。从这个角度来说，了解黑色电影最好的方法就是直接去看、去感受。今天聊的这部《成功的滋味》，在表演、台词、摄影、配乐等方面都充满亮点，具有经得住时间考验的所有特质，是入门黑色电影的不二之选。n
《成功的滋味》（Sweet Smell of Success）改编自同名短篇小说，故事本身并不复杂，这里直接引用时光网的介绍：J·J·亨塞克是在纽约最有影响力的报纸专栏作家,他决定阻止他的姊妹与史蒂夫·达拉斯，一位爵士乐的音乐家结婚。而西德尼·法尔科则是一名二流的报纸专栏的经纪人，正想攀附J·J·亨塞克，于是两人一拍即合，西德尼利用自己的职位之便，制造各种事件来帮助J·J阻止这场婚姻。nn奥逊威尔斯曾提出一个有趣的“吴先生原则”理论，指的是为了塑造电影中的核心角色“吴先生”，故意让角色本身迟迟不出场，但同时电影中的每个人却又都在谈论他，以推着观众对角色的期待值不断升高。nn电影中J·J·亨塞克第一次登场是影片进行到20分钟之后，而在这之前的大片时间里，相信没人会无视他强大的存在感。印有他头像的报纸专栏，以及各类人士提到这个名字时候的不同反映，都在反复提醒我们，这个即将登场的人物绝不一般。n
比如开场不久，西德尼向秘书描绘理想时，一边整理着领带，一边抬头仰望，说到“我一定要爬到上层，只有那里遍地芳香”（way up high ，where it's always balmy，balmy代表了芳香怡人，也对应了片名的sweet smell），和很多职场中的底层人一样，尽管受到工作上的屈辱和难堪，但一想到成功后的人生，眼中的憧憬又是那样单纯。在向往未来时豪言壮语，在良心受谴时却又不够坚决，在某种程度上，层次丰富的西德尼更像是本片的第一男主。nn除了演员表演之外，本片的另一大亮点就是极为出彩的台词。nn评论家安德鲁·萨里斯在评价本片时这样写到：“看这部电影最大的动力就是其中那机智、辛辣而地道的对话，在这个特技文盲的时代，这样的台词你永远都不可能再从银幕上听到了”。片中充满灵光的台词俯拾即是，几场群戏更是被誉为语言暴力的典范。不过，由于台词过于浓厚的美语风格和丰富的文化引用，目前的中文翻译版本很少能完全把握原片的神采，也影响了本片在国内影响力的扩大。不多说，直接上图感受一下。n
社会学家迈克尔.S.基默（Michael. S. Kimmel）认为，19世纪中期资本主义市场在美国蓬勃发展后，美国见证了一种新型男性气质的诞生。基默把这种模型称作”商业市场男人”（Marketplace Man）。商业市场男人将激烈的市场竞争，及其在这个过程中获取的金钱和社会地位视作男子气概的标杆。和传统男性气质相比，这种新型男性气质更为“柔软”，因为它不再将身体力量或肢体冲突视作男性身份的核心。但它依然强调男性个体的竞争性和攻击性，只是将这两项指标转到了看似中性的“事业”、“商业”领域。与其同时，商业市场男性气质持续正当化少数男性的支配地位：它持续将女性排斥在公共领域之外，同时比以往都更加强调男性同行之间的竞争，以及由输赢产生的等级关系。
2. Kimmel, Michael S. (2007), 'Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame, and Silence in theConstruction of Gender Identity', in Paula S . Rothenberg and Soniya Munshi (eds.),Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study, New York: Worth Publishers, pp. 59-70.
这部电影的台词极为出彩，可与黄宗霑的摄影、Curtis和Lancaster的演技以及Elmer Berstein的配乐并列为影片最大的亮点。其中尤以Sidney和J.J.与议员、女演员、经纪人的群戏为最，堪称高端语言暴力的范本。然而英文原文确实比较晦涩，"My right hand hasn't seen my left hand in thirty years"这句话的含义甚至在imdb上都有人发问。或许是这个原因导致网络现存的中文字幕很不理想，几乎完全毁掉了台词的神髓。出于对这部电影的热爱，决定把个人认为比较精彩的段落重新翻译一下，由于英文水平有限不能保证完全准确，故也附上英文原文，如有错误欢迎指正。
注：下文[ ]中为对动作背景的交代，【】中为对典故的解释
1、Sidney及其秘书Sally在办公室，前者因被J.J.的专栏封杀而倍感焦虑
Sally: I wish I could help in some way, Sidney. Sidney Falco: You could help with two minutes of silence. Sally: I hate to see you like this. If you feel nervous... Sidney Falco: So what'll you do if I feel nervous? Open your meaty, sympathetic arms? Sally: Oh, Sidney, you got me so... I don't know what... Sidney Falco: Sally you oughta know me by now. Sally: I know ya. Sidney Falco: No, you don't.You think I'm a hero. Well, I'm no hero. I'm nice to people where it pays me to be nice. I do it enough on the outside, so don't expect me to do it in my office.
Sidney Falco: He thinks J.J.'s some kind of a monster... Susan Hunsecker: Don't you? Sidney Falco: Susie, J.J. happens to be one of my very best friends! Susan Hunsecker: I know. But someday I'd like to look into your clever little mind and see what you really think of him. Sidney Falco: Where do you come off, making a remark like that? Susan Hunsecker: Who could love a man who makes you jump through burning hoops like a trained poodle?
Sidney Falco: 他把J.J.看做某种怪物…… Susan Hunsecker:你不这么认为吗？ Sidney Falco:Susie，J.J.可是我最好的朋友之一！ Susan Hunsecker:我知道。不过我真想有一天看透你聪明的小脑袋，看看你对他的真实想法。 Sidney Falco: 你这是哪的话，为什么要这么说？ Susan Hunsecker: 谁会爱一个让你像受训的狗一样钻火圈的人？
3、Sidney路遇他正在躲避的客户Jimmy Weldon及其女伴Joan
Sidney Falco: Jimmy, what a coincidence! Jimmy Weldon: Yeah, a coincidenc running into the very man you've been ducking all week. This is my press agent, Joan. Sidney Falco: I tried to call you twice, but... Jimmy Weldon: What do ya do for that 100 one week? Fall outta bed? Sidney Falco: I was on my way to talk to Hunsecker. I got... Jimmy Weldon: I'll had this kid arrest for larceny. Sidney Falco: When the band was at Roseland... Jimmy Weldon: That was two months ago. Take your hands outta my pocket, thief. Joan: Jimmy, now take it easy. Jimmy Weldon: Why? It's a dirty job, but I pay clean money for it. Sidney Falco: No more, you don't. Whati is it, showin' off for the girl? Jimmy Weldon: He's clever. He knows when he's bein' fired.
Sidney Falco: Jimmy, 真巧啊！ Jimmy Weldon: 是啊，正巧撞上你躲了一星期的人。[对Joan]这是我的新闻代理人。 Sidney Falco: 我给你打了两次电话，但…… Jimmy Weldon: 每周给你一百块是干啥的？花在床上？ Sidney Falco: 我正要去和Hunsecker谈呢， 我…… Jimmy Weldon: [对Joan]我要让这小子因为盗窃罪被抓起来。 Sidney Falco: 乐队在玫瑰园的时候…… Jimmy Weldon: 那是两个月以前了。 把你的手从我兜里拿出来吧，小偷。 Joan: Jimmy，放轻松点。 Jimmy Weldon: 凭什么？这是个肮脏活，但我付的可是干净钱。 Sidney Falco: 不会再这样了。你这是干嘛，炫耀给这位女士看？ Jimmy Weldon: [对Joan]他还挺聪明，知道自己被炒了。
4、Sidney给J.J.打电话要求见面
J.J. Hunsecker: Hello? Sidney Falco: J.J., It's Sidney. Could you come out for a minute? J.J. Hunsecker: Could I come out? No. Sidney Falco: I have to talk to you, J.J. That's why. J.J. Hunsecker: You have to do something for me. You didn't do it. Sidney Falco: Could I come in for a minute? J.J. Hunsecker: No. You're dead, son. Get yourself buried.
J.J. Hunsecker: Harvey, I often wish I were deaf and wore a hearing aid. With a simple flick of a switch, I could shut out the greedy murmur of little men. Sidney Falco: J.J., I need your ear for two minutes. J.J. Hunsecker: Mac, I don't want this man at my table. Sidney Falco: I've got a message from your sister. J.J. Hunsecker: Forgive me, Harvey. We were interrupted. ... Sen. Harvey Walker: I don't think we caught your name, young man. Sidney Falco: Sidney Falco, Sir. But everybody knows and admires you, Senator Walker. Sen. Harvey Walker: Every six year I become less convinced of that. This young lady is Linda James. She's managed by Manny Davis. Sidney Falco: I know Manny Davis. J.J. Hunsecker: Everyone knows Manny Davis. Except Mrs Manny Davis. Go ahead, Billy. Shoot. Sports cars are getting smaller and smaller in California. You were crossing Hollywood Boulevard and you got hit by one. And you had to go to the hospital to get it removed. Billy, you're not following the column. I had it last week. Sidney Falco: Senator, do you believe in capital punishment? Sen. Harvey Walker: Why? Sidney Falco: A man has just been sentenced to death. J.J. Hunsecker: Manny, tell me, what exactly are the UNSEEN gifts of this lovely young thing that you manage? Manny Davis: Well, she sings a little... you know, sings... Linda James: Manny's faith in me is simply awe-inspiring, Mr. Hunsecker. Actually, I'm still studying, but... J.J. Hunsecker: What subject? Linda James: Singing, of course... straight concert and... J.J. Hunsecker: [glance flicks between the Girl and the Senator] Why "of course"? It might, for instance, be politics... Linda James: Me? I mean "I"? Are you kidding, Mr. Hunsecker? With my Jersey City brains? J.J. Hunsecker: The brains may be Jersey City, but the clothes are Traina-Norell. Sen. Harvey Walker: Are you an actor, Mr Falco? Linda James: That's what I was think. Are you, Mr Falco? J.J. Hunsecker: How did you guess it, Miss James? Linda James: He's so pretty, that's How. J.J. Hunsecker: Mr. Falco, let it be said at once, is a man of 40 faces, not one - none too pretty, and all deceptive. You see that grin? That's the, eh, that's the Charming Street Urchin face. It's part of his helpless act: he throws himself upon your mercy. He's got a half-dozen faces for the ladies. But the one I like, the really cute one, is the quick, dependable chap. Nothing he won't do for you in a pinch - so he says. Mr. Falco, whom I did not invite to sit at this table tonight, is a hungry press agent, and fully up to all the tricks of his very slimy trade. J.J. Hunsecker: Match me, Sidney. Sidney Falco: Not right this minute, J.J. Sen. Harvey Walker: May I ask you a naive question, Mr Falco? Exactly, how does a press agent work? Sidney Falco: Uh... J.J. Hunsecker: Answer the man, Sidney. He's trying to take you off the hook. Sidney Falco: You just saw a good example of it, Senator. A press agent eats a columnist's dirt and is expected to call it manna. Sen. Harvey Walker: But don't you help columnists by furnishing thenm with items? Sidney Falco: Sure, the columnists can't do without us, except our good and great friend J.J. forgets to mention that. You see, we furnish him with items. J.J. Hunsecker: What, some cheap, gruesome gags? Sidney Falco: You print 'em, don't ya? J.J. Hunsecker: Yes, with your clients' names attached. That's the only reason the poor slobs pay you - to see their names in my column all over the world. Now, I make it out, you're doing *me* a favor?... The day I can't get along without a press agents' handouts, I'll close up shop and move to Alaska, lock, stock, and barrel. Manny Davis: Sweep out my igloo, here I come. J.J. Hunsecker: Look, Manny, you rode in here on the Senator's shirt tails, so shut your mouth! Sen. Harvey Walker: Now, come, J.J., that's a little too harsh. Anyone seems fair game for you tonight. J.J. Hunsecker: This man is not for you, Harvey, and you shouldn't be seen with him in public. Because that's another part of a press agent's life - he digs up scandal among prominent men and shovels it thin among columnists who give him space. Sen. Harvey Walker: There is some allusion here that escapes me... J.J. Hunsecker: We're friends, Harvey - we go as far back as when you were a fresh kid Congressman, don't we? Sen. Harvey Walker: Why does everything you say sound like a threat? J.J. Hunsecker: Maybe it's a mannerism - because I don't threaten friends, Harvey. But why furnish your enemies with ammunition? You're a family man. Someday, with God willing, you may wanna be President. Now here you are, Harvey, out in the open where any hep person knows that this one... is toting THAT one...around for you. Are we kids or what? Next time you come up, you might join me on my TV show. Sen. Harvey Walker: Thanks J.J, for what I consider sound advice. J.J. Hunsecker: Go, thou, and sin no more. ... J.J. Hunsecker: Don't let the Senator pay that check. President! My big toe would make a better president. Where's your coat, Sidney? Saving tips? My curiosity is killing me, but what are you so rambunctious about tonight? Sidney Falco: There is your fat friend. J.J. Hunsecker: Harry, say hello to Sidney Falco. Tickle him. He's been a bad boy tonight. He called you "my fat friend". ... J.J. Hunsecker: I love this dirty town. Sidney, conjugate me a verb. For instance, "to promise." You promise to break up that romance. When? Sidney Falco: I doubt if you know what involves. J.J. Hunsecker: I'm a schoolboy. Teach me, teach me. Sidney Falco: You break it up. You know you can do it in two minutes. J.J. Hunsecker: At this late date you need explanations? Susie's all I've got. Now she's growing up, I want my relationship with her to remain at least at par. I don't intend to do anything to antagonise her if I don't have to. Be warn, son. I'll have to blitz you. Sidney Falco: Frankly, J.J., I don't think you got cards to blitz me. J.J. Hunsecker: I don't? Sidney Falco: Corrct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think so. J.J. Hunsecker: I'll listen for one more minute. Sidney Falco: A year ago, I did you a certain favor. It was a thing... I never did such a dirty thing in my life. All right, it's forgotten. Which brings us up to five weeks ago. "Sidney, I got a nasty problem. Do so- and so- and I'll aprreciate it." Did I say no? I'm the first to admit it didn't jell as fast as we'd like. But why, all of a sudden, can't I get you on the phone? And why am I frozen out of the column? J.J. Hunsecker: You finished? Sidney Falco: No, let me finish, J.J. I don't like this job. That boy is numb on matinee days only. Otherwise he's got a head. Susan is growing up - two heads. We got a slippery, dangerous problem here. J.J. Hunsecker: Not "we", Sidney, you! Sidney Falco: Correct me if I'm wrong, we! If I'm gonna go out on a limb for you, you gotta know what's involved! J.J. Hunsecker: My right hand hasn't seen my left hand in thirty years. Sidney Falco: I'll do it, J.J. Don't get me wrong. I'll go through with it. But stop beating me on the head. Let me make a living! J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, what you promised, do it. Don't finagle around. It's later than you think. Sidney Falco: Excuse me, J.J. It's later than you think. That boy proposed to her. J.J. Hunsecker: Susie told you that? Sidney Falco: Uh - huh. J.J. Hunsecker: What was her answers? Sidney Falco: She'll discuss it with you at breakfast. J.J. Hunsecker: That means you've got a plan. Can you deliver? Sidney Falco: Tonight. Before you go to bed. Cat's in the bag and the bag's in the river. J.J. Hunsecker: Don't be a two - time loser, Sidney. The penalty could be severe.
Otis Elwell: I can't think of a good reason why I should print anything you give me. I can't even think of a *bad* reason. Sidney Falco:Suppose I introduce you to a... a lovely reason... who's both good *and* bad... and available? Otis Elwell:I'm not an unreasonable man.
Sidney Falco: Don't you know who that man is? Rita: Yeah！Otis Elwell, the columnist. Sidney Falco: Yeah. Rita: And he's a perfect stranger to me. Sidney Falco: So take the five minutes. Get aquainted. He's an importent man. He's lonely. Don't be dumb. Rita: What do you want all of a sudden? Lady Godiva? Where's my other shoe? Sidney Falco: What kind of an act like this? Rita: Don't you think I have any feelings? What I am? A bowl of fruit? A tangeine that peels in a minute? Sidney Falco: I beg your pardon. How do you like this! I turn myself inside out to do you a favor, now I'm the heavy! Here's your shoe. There's your coat. And there's the door. Rita: Sidney, I don't do this sorta thing. Sidney Falco: What sorta thing? Rita: This sorta thing! Sidney Falco: You need him for a favor, don't you? Well, so do I. I need his column tonight. Did'nt you ask me to do something about your job? Don't you have a kid in military school? Rita: You're a snake, Falco. You're a louse. A real louse. Sidney Falco: Honey, he's gonna help you!
Sidney Falco: Don't do anything I wouldn't do! That gives you a lot of leeway...
Sidney Falco:[对Otis]别做我不会做的事！这已经给你留了很大余地了……
9、Sidney给J.J.打电话，示意已经完成了拆散Steve与Susie的任务
Sidney Falco: Hello, J.J.? Sidney. J.J.? J.J. Hunsecker: Yes, Sidney. You sound happy, Sidney. Why should you be happy when I'm not? How do you spell Picasso, the painter? One S or two? Sidney Falco: Two. J.J. Hunsecker: It's an item - I hear he dates three-eyed girls. Sidney Falco: It'd be nice if you mention R-o-b-a-r-d. Robard's jazz joint. It's his 20th annivesary. Don't begrudge it to me, J.J. I owe him a lot of favors. I think you understand that the Dallas skull is badly dented. Oh yeah, very bad. Starting today you can play marbles with his eyeballs. Now don't begrudge it to me, J.J. Mention Robard... J.J. Hunsecker: We shall see what we shall see, Sidney. And Sidney, don't use this phone anymore. I have a nervous sister.
J.J. Hunsecker: I got that boy coming here today. If I can trust my eys, and I think I can, Susie knows all about your dirty work. Sidney Falco: Can't hurt. J.J. Hunsecker: Can't hurt? I had to get that boy his job back. Sidney Falco: Look J.J., we can tie this off into one neat bundle, address it to the dumps, to oblivion. We're doing great, but please do it my way. I've cased this boy. I know his ins and outs. He's full of juice and vinegar, waiting for a big shot like you to put on the squeeze. You got the boy's job back, but he's not gonna accept your favor. The manager, yeah, but not that boy. J.J. Hunsecker: What's this boy got that Susie likes? Sidney Falco: Integrity - acute, like indigestion. J.J. Hunsecker: What does that mean - integrity? Sidney Falco: A pocket fulla firecrackers - looking for a match! It's a new wrinkle, to tell the truth... I never thought I'd make a killing on some guy's "integrity." J.J. Hunsecker: I'd hate to take a bite outta you. You're a cookie full of arsenic.
Sidney Falco: We're on the verge of a farce. A real farce. As I see it, if Susie had stood behind him today, he might have proved a threat. But since primarily he's wedded to his work, he's not gonna be able to take it. J.J. Hunsecker: Stop tinkering. That horseradish is fine. Sidney Falco: It's all over, because any hour now that boy will give her up. Now, is it a farce, or is it? J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, this syrup you're giving out with... you pour over waffles, not J.J. Hunsecker. What do you mean, this lousy kid'll give up my sister? Sidney Falco: How does it matter whose sister? The main thing is they're through. J.J. Hunsecker: Am I supposed to forget how that kid talk to me today? Sidney Falco: J.J, is he worthy of a seconde glance from a man like you? I mean that... J.J. Hunsecker: Bite on this. Sidney Falco: Steamship ticket. J.J. Hunsecker: The next sailing. Susie's run down. Sidney Falco: That's good. Now that louse is outta Susie's hair for good. J.J. Hunsecker: I want that boy taken apart. Sidney Falco: J.J, why do something that's gonna drive them right back into each other's arms? J.J. Hunsecker: I know how to handle Susie. You just... You just handle the boy. Perfectly tonight. Sidney Falco: What's tomorrow? A holiday? I think I'm going home. Maybe I left my sense of humor in my other suit. J.J. Hunsecker: You've got a god - given brain, Sidney. Use it. You think this is a personal thing with me? Are you telling me I think of this in terms of personal pique? Today that boy wiped his feet on the choice, on the predilections at 60 million people in the greatest country in the world. If you had any morals, you'd understand the immorality of that boy's stand today. It wasn't me he criticised. It was my readers. Don't remove the gangplank, Sidney. You may wanna get back on board. Sidney Falco: J.J, it's one thing to wear your dog collar. When it turns into a noose, I'd have my freedom. J.J. Hunsecker: The man in jail is always for freedom. Sidney Falco: Except, if you'll excuse me, I'm not in jail. J.J. Hunsecker: You're in jail. You're a prisoner of your own fears, your own greed and ambition. Sidney Falco: You're blind, Mr Magoo. This is the crossroads for me. I won't get Kello. Not for a lifetime pass to the Polo Grounds. Not if you served me Cleopatra on a plate. J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, I told you... Sidney Falco: I swear on my mother's life, I wouldn't do that. Not if you gave me a column would I do a thing... J.J. Hunsecker: Who do you think writes the column while Susie and I are away for three month? The men in the moon? Thank you, Sidney. And, Sidney, I'll have that piece of paper back.
Sidney Falco: Start thinking with your head instead of your hips. Uh - by the way, I got nothing against women thinking with their hips. That's their nature. Just like it's a *man's* nature to go out and hustle and get the things he wants.
黑色电影（film noir），准确地说是经典黑色电影（classic film noir），可能是好莱坞黄金时代最为独特的一种存在。nn虽然生命周期不足20年（从1940年开始，以1958年奥逊·威尔斯的《历劫佳人》为结束标志），其独特的影像风格、深刻的人物塑造依然深深影响着后来者。所以回到当代，但凡涉及主题比较黑暗、人物处在道德边缘的电影，都会被人们称作黑色电影。nn黑色电影是这样一种电影类别，你没法用简单的语言或是标签来定义它，但在观赏时却可以明确指出一部电影算不算是黑色电影。从这个角度来说，了解黑色电影最好的方法就是直接去看、去感受。今天聊的这部《成功的滋味》，在表演、台词、摄影、配乐等方面都充满亮点，具有经得住时间考验的所有特质，是入门黑色电影的不二之选。n
《成功的滋味》（Sweet Smell of Success）改编自同名短篇小说，故事本身并不复杂，这里直接引用时光网的介绍：J·J·亨塞克是在纽约最有影响力的报纸专栏作家,他决定阻止他的姊妹与史蒂夫·达拉斯，一位爵士乐的音乐家结婚。而西德尼·法尔科则是一名二流的报纸专栏的经纪人，正想攀附J·J·亨塞克，于是两人一拍即合，西德尼利用自己的职位之便，制造各种事件来帮助J·J阻止这场婚姻。nn奥逊威尔斯曾提出一个有趣的“吴先生原则”理论，指的是为了塑造电影中的核心角色“吴先生”，故意让角色本身迟迟不出场，但同时电影中的每个人却又都在谈论他，以推着观众对角色的期待值不断升高。nn电影中J·J·亨塞克第一次登场是影片进行到20分钟之后，而在这之前的大片时间里，相信没人会无视他强大的存在感。印有他头像的报纸专栏，以及各类人士提到这个名字时候的不同反映，都在反复提醒我们，这个即将登场的人物绝不一般。n
每个时代，人们注意力的聚集之处都是权力的崛起之地。伯特·兰卡斯特 （Burt Lancaster ）所塑造的J.J.亨塞克，便是这座城市当之无愧的无冕之王。在纸媒盛行的时代，有限的信息渠道使得像亨塞克这样的王牌专栏作家成为绝对的意见领袖，尽管他不是政界领导、商界精英，却有着调动各类资源、左右别人命运的高级权力。亨塞克冷酷、傲慢、偏执、尖酸、刻薄，大多数的时刻并没有夸张的表情，但每一次神态的细微变化，都清晰的传递一种不怒自威的压迫感和恐惧感。n
而同时，他对妹妹病态的宠爱，又展现出这个“暴君”极度温柔的另一面。（亨塞克的原型是好莱坞当年最有名的花边专栏作家Water Winchell，其对女儿也有着病态的迷恋，曾借助时任美国联邦调查局局长埃德加胡佛，将女儿的追求者驱逐出境）两种截然相反的性格特征，加上伯特·兰卡斯特与角色相似的个人特质，令这个角色充满了独特的强者魅力。n
不过更为惊喜的，是托尼柯蒂斯（Tony Curtis）对另一位男主角西德尼·法尔科的演绎。在出演本片之前，托尼柯蒂斯是好莱坞浪漫喜剧中的奶油小生（传言猫王的飞机头就来源于他），当他意识到本片可能是其突破自我框架的难得机遇时，最终挤破脑袋争取到了这个角色。不过，他的影迷并不为此买单，认为这部影片破坏了偶像的帅气形象，在上映后集体表达出对这部电影的反感。 不过，也正是因为这个惹怒粉丝的角色，成为了柯蒂斯事业的另一个跳板。nn比起亨塞克的残酷无情，西德尼似乎还没有“坏透“。像是许多来到城市中寻求成功的年轻人，既感受着底层生活的挣扎和出人头地的不易，又满怀希望的精心打扮，确保每次呈现给外界的，都是精力充沛、时刻付出的自我。对于每个拼搏的人，这种感觉是不是似曾相识？因为成功之难，而无法容忍自己错过任何一个机会，对他而言，那些不堪、耻辱、辛苦，更像是通往成功之路必然付出的代价。nn看着银幕上的西德尼，我们一边对他的龌龊勾当咬牙切齿，而另一边又忍不住产生怜悯和同情。n
比如开场不久，西德尼向秘书描绘理想时，一边整理着领带，一边抬头仰望，说到“我一定要爬到上层，只有那里遍地芳香”（way up high ，where it's always balmy，balmy代表了芳香怡人，也对应了片名的sweet smell），和很多职场中的底层人一样，尽管受到工作上的屈辱和难堪，但一想到成功后的人生，眼中的憧憬又是那样单纯。在向往未来时豪言壮语，在良心受谴时却又不够坚决，在某种程度上，层次丰富的西德尼更像是本片的第一男主。nn除了演员表演之外，本片的另一大亮点就是极为出彩的台词。nn评论家安德鲁·萨里斯在评价本片时这样写到：“看这部电影最大的动力就是其中那机智、辛辣而地道的对话，在这个特技文盲的时代，这样的台词你永远都不可能再从银幕上听到了”。片中充满灵光的台词俯拾即是，几场群戏更是被誉为语言暴力的典范。不过，由于台词过于浓厚的美语风格和丰富的文化引用，目前的中文翻译版本很少能完全把握原片的神采，也影响了本片在国内影响力的扩大。不多说，直接上图感受一下。n
当然，摄影和音乐是成就《成功的滋味》的最后两片拼图。华裔传奇摄影师黄宗霑依旧保持着高超的水准，在他的镜头下，冬季的纽约城潮湿、迷人而又残酷。而配乐来自大师埃尔默·伯恩斯坦（Elmer Bernstein），爵士乐是黑色电影的标配，如果按音乐风格继续细分的话，本片的配乐属于爵士乐中的“犯罪爵士”（Crime Jazz），更加突出管弦乐，来强化影片的黑暗风格。nn《成功的滋味》是经典黑色电影晚期的荣耀，就像本文开头说的，它具有经得住时间考验的所有特质，值得影迷付出宝贵的时间去品尝和欣赏。
【原文首发于微信公众号：吉尔达的红菱艳】
“好莱坞生产并发行过最伟大的电影之一”
马丁.斯科塞斯称《成功的滋味》是“好莱坞生产并发行过最伟大的电影之一”。他的高赞并不是没有原因，影片的摄影、对白和表演在今天看来依然具有相当的开创性。除此之外，《成功的滋味》在选材上也剑走偏锋，是当时为数不多探讨大众传媒行业不受管制所引发后果的黑色电影。这种批判从影片的主要情节就可以看出来：明星报纸专栏作家J·J·亨塞克（伯特·兰卡斯特饰）对妹妹苏珊·亨塞克（苏珊·哈里森饰）有近乎病态的占有欲，听说苏珊和爵士乐手斯蒂夫·达拉斯（马丁·米尔莫饰）正在热恋，便私下差遣媒体中介西德尼.法尔科（托尼·柯蒂斯饰）去拆散两人。事情很快变得一发不可收拾，从有计划的污蔑迅速升级到暴力和城市权力腐败。
这篇文章想从另一个相关联的角度聊聊《成功的滋味》的原创性：影片在所处社会批判语境下所描绘的男性形象。提到黑色电影里的男性形象，大多数人首先想到的可能是孤傲厌世的硬汉侦探。《成功的滋味》聚焦的是另一种性别形象，它较少在这个类型电影里出现，却对20世纪的美国（可能对如今全球也是如此）具有很强的相关性——“商业市场男人”（Marketplace Man）。
随时代变化的男性气质
社会学家迈克尔.S.基默（Michael. S. Kimmel）认为，19世纪中期资本主义市场在美国蓬勃发展后，美国见证了一种新型男性气质的诞生。基默把这种模型称作”商业市场男人”（Marketplace Man）。商业市场男人将激烈的市场竞争，及其在这个过程中获取的金钱和社会地位视作男子气概的标杆。和传统男性气质相比，这种新型男性气质更为“柔软”，因为它不再将身体力量或肢体冲突视作男性身份的核心。但它依然强调男性个体的竞争性和攻击性，只是将这两项指标转到了看似中性的“事业”、“商业”领域。与其同时，商业市场男性气质持续正当化少数男性的支配地位：它持续将女性排斥在公共领域之外，同时比以往都更加强调男性同行之间的竞争，以及由输赢产生的等级关系。
尽管J·J不是一个典型的商人，但我们可以从他身上看到很多商业市场男人的影子。J·J确实诞生于一个缺乏管制的资本市场：各家报纸无所不用其极争夺读者注意力，成功收获大众每天几分钟注意力的专栏作家拥有丰厚的收入和至高无上的权力，甚至可以和参议员出入同一家高档餐厅，并指点后者的职业规划。从电影里几个展示J·J文字的片段中，我们可以看出J·J对文字确实非常有天赋，或许也是真心热爱写作，但不可否认，在那样的环境下，写作不是个人表达的乌托邦，而是在竞争激烈的报业市场中斩获头筹位的方式。也不奇怪同行谴责J·J“有强盗一般的品格”，为了吸引读者的眼球什么都愿意写。
影片也向我们展现了这种行为模式的性别后果。J·J在报业市场竞争中取得的成功加强了他对妹妹大家长式的控制。和同时代大多数女性一样，苏珊没有工作，靠J·J的收入赡养，这无疑使她更难脱离J·J的控制。更别提影片的核心情节就是J·J发动作为明星专栏作家积累的人脉干预苏珊的恋情。事业的成功转化对年长男性对家庭成员的一种控制手段。他对男人的态度也充满支配和竞争意识。他对兄弟情谊似乎兴趣不大，而热衷于将他在公共领域遇到的每一个男人——专栏作家、西德尼、警探——以他为中心进行等级排列：如果不能成为他的跟班，那就是他的敌人（但和男人的亲近关系衍生出酷儿气质，下一章会细谈）。在作家健谈文雅的外表之下，我们依然能找到一个自我中心，缺乏共情能力，维系性别等级制度的头狼男性形象。
语言表达能力本身也能成为男人间竞争的方式。J·J在纸面上和现实中都对众人百般挖苦，在经典的晚宴戏中，这种言语风格成为在谈话中占据上风的方式。在西德尼不请自来加入聚会，并且用几句俏皮话暗讽J·J冷酷无情后，J·J先是沉默不语几秒，紧接着对西德尼和参议员连续输出，将西德尼贬低为八面玲珑的小人，然后批评参议员贪恋女色。期间参议员忍不住打断质疑“为什么你说的每句话都像带刺？”，最后也不得不虚心接受J·J建议。整个场景里J·J没有任何大的动作，只靠言语重新树立了自己在聚会上的权威地位。有趣的是，话多在传统上被认为是女性的特点，但在特定的时代和行业语境下，语言成为延续传统男性气质里强势、威权一面的重要工具。
但《成功的滋味》并不只是再现商业市场男人的形象，而是用黑色惊悚电影的类型将这个形象“黑色化”。在故事接近结尾的时候，我们看到J·J命令西德尼和一个腐败警探暴力袭击并栽赃史蒂夫，同时在苏珊面前继续伪装成善良的长兄。暴力和伪装是黑色电影的常见叙事特征，在本片里成功让商业市场男性气质显得不仅毒舌好斗，而且狡诈。
另一个突出这种虚伪特质的重要道具是：伯特·兰卡斯特被服装包裹起来的身体。在成为演员之前，兰卡斯特曾是杂技演员，他那具见证运动生涯的高大、强壮的身体将在他日后星途上扮演重要角色。
兰卡斯特在诸多电影里都有裸露上半身的戏份，但在《成功的滋味》里没有获得这种机会。他魁梧的身材一直隐藏在西装或家居服下。与此同时，兰卡斯特在片中的表演和造型也带上一丝阴柔的气息：戴着单边框眼镜，说话轻柔，几乎像在细语。
但观众恐怕很难忽略那个壮实的身躯，尤其当他站在其他演员身旁，或者手握火柴等小件道具时，产生的强烈对比让他看上去像一头猛兽穿上了衣服。他的嗓音也像刻意压低声音的结果。
有趣的是，在本片的角色塑造下，兰卡斯特隐藏起来的超雄男性身体和声音像是成为一种对角色双面性的隐喻：商业市场男人表面上更“文明”，更“阴柔”，但骨子里依然强调男性的原始力量和支配能力，只是通过他人之手或其它手段达成而已。
将兰卡斯特身体用到极致的是他在阳台观察车水马龙的镜头。在电话里确定西德尼对斯蒂夫下手后，J·J去检查苏珊是否睡着，随后独自来到阳台。镜头在跟拍他巨大的身躯移动后，切到他棱角分明的脸的特写。尽管取得了阶段性胜利，这位专栏作家却面无表情，显得捉摸不透。镜头随即切到他所注视的城市夜景，他的身体仿佛和钢筋铁骨融为一体，欠缺某种人性。
兰卡斯特的星途一直被认为是好莱坞消费男星身体的经典例子，但在本片中他的身体展露出更加复杂的叙事潜力：它成为一种精心设计的恐怖气氛的来源。我愿称之为一种性别惊悚。
男人的争斗：竞争还是暧昧？
基默认为商业市场男性气质的一大特征在于其对男性与男性之间关系的重新定义。比起男性友谊，商业市场男性气质更强调男性之间的斗争与支配关系。在竞争中压倒同行男性成为了新的男子气概标杆。
这点在J.J.对待西德尼的方式上体现得淋漓尽致。尽管他很大程度上依赖西德尼这样的媒体中介给他提供写作素材，但强大的自尊不允许他承认这是一种合作关系。在他的世界里，他必须是唯一的教父和明星。他需要一直压制西德尼一头，甚至并不把西德尼当同等的人，而更像他的走狗，随时传唤。斯蒂夫的讽刺可以说是相当到位：“他（西德尼）死后会去宠物天堂吗？”
在这种关系中被压迫的一方依然拥有少量男性特权，足以让他们支配底层女性，并做出和支配者男性相似的行为去维系现有的性别结构。于是我们看见西德尼就像一个年轻版的J.J，为达成目的不择手段，不惜用谎言哄骗酒吧的香烟女孩出卖身体。西德尼既厌倦J·J对自己的控制和贬损，又将J.J视为追逐的目标和上升的渠道。他不是J.J.，但他渴望成为J.J。J.J是他理想化的自己。J.J.身上散发的成功的滋味就像一记糖衣炮弹，给了他一个在现有制度下奋斗，而不是将其推翻的动力。
与此同时，J·J和西德尼之间崇拜-征服-相互依赖交杂的男性关系反而给电影增加了一点酷儿气质。正如影评人罗杰·艾伯特所观察的，J·J“显然没有自己明确的性取向，但对法尔科的情绪变化特别敏感”。西德尼和J·J都没有明确的异性伴侣，整部电影我们只看见两人彼此纠缠在一起。西德尼的存在打破了J·J为自己营造出来的独立大男人幻象：他并非无所不能，他需要西德尼，而且对西德尼的陪伴又爱又恨。
西德尼由托尼·柯蒂斯扮演。如果说伯特·兰卡斯特代表了好莱坞对健美男性一贯的审美，那么柯蒂斯大概代表了另一个长盛不衰的类型：漂亮男孩。在影片中，周围人不断评价西德尼长相漂亮，而这成为全片少数几句J·J没有回呛的话。（...好吧...）
在接近影片结尾处，西德尼终于被允许上桌和J·J共进晚餐，在在宣告苏珊和斯蒂夫终于被拆散时，J.J似乎并不同意 ,并突然抓住西德尼的领带，将西德尼拉向他的位置。镜头立即切到西德尼紧张的表情。尽管在审查制度的压制下，这个场面并没有引向任何互动的升级，但它还是流露出一丝逾越异性恋规范的情色意味。
由此，影片倒是为商业市场男性气质做了一个有趣的注脚：过度强调男人间的竞争，反而会模糊异性恋男性气质安全的边界。当J·J需要靠把敌人踩在脚下来获得安全感时，他就是在比任何时候都依赖他的敌人。
参考资料：
1. 马丁·斯科塞斯谈《成功的滋味》的片段：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFxAEnXLOr4
2. Kimmel, Michael S. (2007), 'Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame, and Silence in theConstruction of Gender Identity', in Paula S . Rothenberg and Soniya Munshi (eds.),Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study, New York: Worth Publishers, pp. 59-70.
3. 罗杰·艾伯特评价《成功的滋味》：
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-sweet-smell-of-success-1957
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注：下文[ ]中为对动作背景的交代，【】中为对典故的解释
1、Sidney及其秘书Sally在办公室，前者因被J.J.的专栏封杀而倍感焦虑
Sally: I wish I could help in some way, Sidney.
Sidney Falco: You could help with two minutes of silence.
Sally: I hate to see you like this. If you feel nervous...
Sidney Falco: So what'll you do if I feel nervous? Open your meaty, sympathetic arms?
Sally: Oh, Sidney, you got me so... I don't know what...
Sidney Falco: Sally you oughta know me by now.
Sally: I know ya.
Sidney Falco: No, you don't.You think I'm a hero. Well, I'm no hero. I'm nice to people where it pays me to be nice. I do it enough on the outside, so don't expect me to do it in my office.
Sally: 我希望可以帮到你，Sidney。
Sidney Falco: 你要帮忙就安静两分钟。
Sally: 我讨厌看到你这样。如果你感到紧张的话……
Sidney Falco: 那么你打算怎样呢？张开你肉乎乎的同情的胳膊？
Sally: 哦，Sidney，你让我……我不知道该说什么……
Sidney Falco: Sally，你现在也该了解我了。
Sally: 我了解。
Sidney Falco: 不，你不了解。你以为我是英雄。好吧，我不是英雄。谁付钱我就对谁好，这事我在外面干够了，所以别指望我在自己办公室里继续干。
2、Sidney在与Steve发生口角后送Susie回家
Sidney Falco: He thinks J.J.'s some kind of a monster...
Susan Hunsecker: Don't you?
Sidney Falco: Susie, J.J. happens to be one of my very best friends!
Susan Hunsecker: I know. But someday I'd like to look into your clever little mind and see what you really think of him.
Sidney Falco: Where do you come off, making a remark like that?
Susan Hunsecker: Who could love a man who makes you jump through burning hoops like a trained poodle?
Sidney Falco: 他把J.J.看做某种怪物……
Susan Hunsecker:你不这么认为吗？
Sidney Falco:Susie，J.J.可是我最好的朋友之一！
Susan Hunsecker:我知道。不过我真想有一天看透你聪明的小脑袋，看看你对他的真实想法。
Sidney Falco: 你这是哪的话，为什么要这么说？
Susan Hunsecker: 谁会爱一个让你像受训的狗一样钻火圈的人？
3、Sidney路遇他正在躲避的客户Jimmy Weldon及其女伴Joan
Sidney Falco: Jimmy, what a coincidence!
Jimmy Weldon: Yeah, a coincidenc running into the very man you've been ducking all week. This is my press agent, Joan.
Sidney Falco: I tried to call you twice, but...
Jimmy Weldon: What do ya do for that 100 one week? Fall outta bed?
Sidney Falco: I was on my way to talk to Hunsecker. I got...
Jimmy Weldon: I'll had this kid arrest for larceny.
Sidney Falco: When the band was at Roseland...
Jimmy Weldon: That was two months ago. Take your hands outta my pocket, thief.
Joan: Jimmy, now take it easy.
Jimmy Weldon: Why? It's a dirty job, but I pay clean money for it.
Sidney Falco: No more, you don't. Whati is it, showin' off for the girl?
Jimmy Weldon: He's clever. He knows when he's bein' fired.
Sidney Falco: Jimmy, 真巧啊！
Jimmy Weldon: 是啊，正巧撞上你躲了一星期的人。[对Joan]这是我的新闻代理人。
Sidney Falco: 我给你打了两次电话，但……
Jimmy Weldon: 每周给你一百块是干啥的？花在床上？
Sidney Falco: 我正要去和Hunsecker谈呢， 我……
Jimmy Weldon: [对Joan]我要让这小子因为盗窃罪被抓起来。
Sidney Falco: 乐队在玫瑰园的时候……
Jimmy Weldon: 那是两个月以前了。 把你的手从我兜里拿出来吧，小偷。
Joan: Jimmy，放轻松点。
Jimmy Weldon: 凭什么？这是个肮脏活，但我付的可是干净钱。
Sidney Falco: 不会再这样了。你这是干嘛，炫耀给这位女士看？
Jimmy Weldon: [对Joan]他还挺聪明，知道自己被炒了。
4、Sidney给J.J.打电话要求见面
J.J. Hunsecker: Hello?
Sidney Falco: J.J., It's Sidney. Could you come out for a minute?
J.J. Hunsecker: Could I come out? No.
Sidney Falco: I have to talk to you, J.J. That's why.
J.J. Hunsecker: You have to do something for me. You didn't do it.
Sidney Falco: Could I come in for a minute?
J.J. Hunsecker: No. You're dead, son. Get yourself buried.
J.J. Hunsecker: 喂？
Sidney Falco: J.J.，是我，Sidney。你能出来一会儿吗？
J.J. Hunsecker: 我能出去吗？不。
Sidney Falco: 我必须和你谈谈，J.J.。这就是原因。
J.J. Hunsecker: 你总得为我做点什么，但你没做。
Sidney Falco: 那我能进去吗？
J.J. Hunsecker: 不能。你已经死了，孩子。去把自己埋起来吧。
5、J.J.与议员、女演员、经纪人同席，Sidney擅自加入谈话
J.J. Hunsecker: Harvey, I often wish I were deaf and wore a hearing aid. With a simple flick of a switch, I could shut out the greedy murmur of little men.
Sidney Falco: J.J., I need your ear for two minutes.
J.J. Hunsecker: Mac, I don't want this man at my table.
Sidney Falco: I've got a message from your sister.
J.J. Hunsecker: Forgive me, Harvey. We were interrupted.
...
Sen. Harvey Walker: I don't think we caught your name, young man.
Sidney Falco: Sidney Falco, Sir. But everybody knows and admires you, Senator Walker.
Sen. Harvey Walker: Every six year I become less convinced of that. This young lady is Linda James. She's managed by Manny Davis.
Sidney Falco: I know Manny Davis.
J.J. Hunsecker: Everyone knows Manny Davis. Except Mrs Manny Davis. Go ahead, Billy. Shoot. Sports cars are getting smaller and smaller in California. You were crossing Hollywood Boulevard and you got hit by one. And you had to go to the hospital to get it removed. Billy, you're not following the column. I had it last week.
Sidney Falco: Senator, do you believe in capital punishment?
Sen. Harvey Walker: Why?
Sidney Falco: A man has just been sentenced to death.
J.J. Hunsecker: Manny, tell me, what exactly are the UNSEEN gifts of this lovely young thing that you manage?
Manny Davis: Well, she sings a little... you know, sings...
Linda James: Manny's faith in me is simply awe-inspiring, Mr. Hunsecker. Actually, I'm still studying, but...
J.J. Hunsecker: What subject?
Linda James: Singing, of course... straight concert and...
J.J. Hunsecker: [glance flicks between the Girl and the Senator] Why "of course"? It might, for instance, be politics...
Linda James: Me? I mean "I"? Are you kidding, Mr. Hunsecker? With my Jersey City brains?
J.J. Hunsecker: The brains may be Jersey City, but the clothes are Traina-Norell.
Sen. Harvey Walker: Are you an actor, Mr Falco?
Linda James: That's what I was think. Are you, Mr Falco?
J.J. Hunsecker: How did you guess it, Miss James?
Linda James: He's so pretty, that's How.
J.J. Hunsecker: Mr. Falco, let it be said at once, is a man of 40 faces, not one - none too pretty, and all deceptive. You see that grin? That's the, eh, that's the Charming Street Urchin face. It's part of his helpless act: he throws himself upon your mercy. He's got a half-dozen faces for the ladies. But the one I like, the really cute one, is the quick, dependable chap. Nothing he won't do for you in a pinch - so he says. Mr. Falco, whom I did not invite to sit at this table tonight, is a hungry press agent, and fully up to all the tricks of his very slimy trade.
J.J. Hunsecker: Match me, Sidney.
Sidney Falco: Not right this minute, J.J.
Sen. Harvey Walker: May I ask you a naive question, Mr Falco? Exactly, how does a press agent work?
Sidney Falco: Uh...
J.J. Hunsecker: Answer the man, Sidney. He's trying to take you off the hook.
Sidney Falco: You just saw a good example of it, Senator. A press agent eats a columnist's dirt and is expected to call it manna.
Sen. Harvey Walker: But don't you help columnists by furnishing thenm with items?
Sidney Falco: Sure, the columnists can't do without us, except our good and great friend J.J. forgets to mention that. You see, we furnish him with items.
J.J. Hunsecker: What, some cheap, gruesome gags?
Sidney Falco: You print 'em, don't ya?
J.J. Hunsecker: Yes, with your clients' names attached. That's the only reason the poor slobs pay you - to see their names in my column all over the world. Now, I make it out, you're doing *me* a favor?... The day I can't get along without a press agents' handouts, I'll close up shop and move to Alaska, lock, stock, and barrel.
Manny Davis: Sweep out my igloo, here I come.
J.J. Hunsecker: Look, Manny, you rode in here on the Senator's shirt tails, so shut your mouth!
Sen. Harvey Walker: Now, come, J.J., that's a little too harsh. Anyone seems fair game for you tonight.
J.J. Hunsecker: This man is not for you, Harvey, and you shouldn't be seen with him in public. Because that's another part of a press agent's life - he digs up scandal among prominent men and shovels it thin among columnists who give him space.
Sen. Harvey Walker: There is some allusion here that escapes me...
J.J. Hunsecker: We're friends, Harvey - we go as far back as when you were a fresh kid Congressman, don't we?
Sen. Harvey Walker: Why does everything you say sound like a threat?
J.J. Hunsecker: Maybe it's a mannerism - because I don't threaten friends, Harvey. But why furnish your enemies with ammunition? You're a family man. Someday, with God willing, you may wanna be President. Now here you are, Harvey, out in the open where any hep person knows that this one... is toting THAT one...around for you. Are we kids or what? Next time you come up, you might join me on my TV show.
Sen. Harvey Walker: Thanks J.J, for what I consider sound advice.
J.J. Hunsecker: Go, thou, and sin no more.
...
J.J. Hunsecker: Don't let the Senator pay that check. President! My big toe would make a better president. Where's your coat, Sidney? Saving tips? My curiosity is killing me, but what are you so rambunctious about tonight?
Sidney Falco: There is your fat friend.
J.J. Hunsecker: Harry, say hello to Sidney Falco. Tickle him. He's been a bad boy tonight. He called you "my fat friend".
...
J.J. Hunsecker: I love this dirty town. Sidney, conjugate me a verb. For instance, "to promise." You promise to break up that romance. When?
Sidney Falco: I doubt if you know what involves.
J.J. Hunsecker: I'm a schoolboy. Teach me, teach me.
Sidney Falco: You break it up. You know you can do it in two minutes.
J.J. Hunsecker: At this late date you need explanations? Susie's all I've got. Now she's growing up, I want my relationship with her to remain at least at par. I don't intend to do anything to antagonise her if I don't have to. Be warn, son. I'll have to blitz you.
Sidney Falco: Frankly, J.J., I don't think you got cards to blitz me.
J.J. Hunsecker: I don't?
Sidney Falco: Corrct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think so.
J.J. Hunsecker: I'll listen for one more minute.
Sidney Falco: A year ago, I did you a certain favor. It was a thing... I never did such a dirty thing in my life. All right, it's forgotten. Which brings us up to five weeks ago. "Sidney, I got a nasty problem. Do so- and so- and I'll aprreciate it." Did I say no? I'm the first to admit it didn't jell as fast as we'd like. But why, all of a sudden, can't I get you on the phone? And why am I frozen out of the column?
J.J. Hunsecker: You finished?
Sidney Falco: No, let me finish, J.J. I don't like this job. That boy is numb on matinee days only. Otherwise he's got a head. Susan is growing up - two heads. We got a slippery, dangerous problem here.
J.J. Hunsecker: Not "we", Sidney, you!
Sidney Falco: Correct me if I'm wrong, we! If I'm gonna go out on a limb for you, you gotta know what's involved!
J.J. Hunsecker: My right hand hasn't seen my left hand in thirty years.
Sidney Falco: I'll do it, J.J. Don't get me wrong. I'll go through with it. But stop beating me on the head. Let me make a living!
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, what you promised, do it. Don't finagle around. It's later than you think.
Sidney Falco: Excuse me, J.J. It's later than you think. That boy proposed to her.
J.J. Hunsecker: Susie told you that?
Sidney Falco: Uh - huh.
J.J. Hunsecker: What was her answers?
Sidney Falco: She'll discuss it with you at breakfast.
J.J. Hunsecker: That means you've got a plan. Can you deliver?
Sidney Falco: Tonight. Before you go to bed. Cat's in the bag and the bag's in the river.
J.J. Hunsecker: Don't be a two - time loser, Sidney. The penalty could be severe.
J.J. Hunsecker: [发现Sidney站在自己身后，对议员]Harvey，我常常希望自己已经聋了、戴着助听器，只要按一下开关就可以把这些小人物的贪婪低语都挡在外面。
Sidney Falco: J.J.，只听我说两句就好。
J.J. Hunsecker: [召唤侍者]Mac，我不想看到这人站在我桌旁。
Sidney Falco: 我有你妹妹的消息。
J.J. Hunsecker: [收回让侍者驱赶Sidney的手势，对议员]抱歉，Harvey，我们被打断了。
[继续与议员交谈]
Harvey Walker议员: [对Sidney]我想我们还不知道你的名字，年轻人。
Sidney Falco: Sidney Falco，先生。但是大家都认识并且仰慕您，Walker议员。
Harvey Walker议员: 每六年我对此的信心就少一点。【指参议员任期六年】这位年轻女士是Linda James，她的经纪人是Manny Davis.
Sidney Falco: 我知道Manny Davis.
J.J. Hunsecker: 人人知道Manny Davis，除了Manny Davis夫人。[接电话]继续，Billy，说啊。加州的跑车是越来越小了，你走在好莱坞林荫大道上就撞上一辆，然后你不得不去医院把它取出来是吧。[Manny笑，J.J.不悦地看了他一眼，继续接电话]Billy，你没有按专栏来，我上周就知道了。[挂电话]
Sidney Falco: [对议员]议员，您相信死刑吗？
Harvey Walker议员: 什么？
Sidney Falco: [指电话]一个人刚刚被判了死刑啊。【指J.J.在电话中对Billy的冷酷态度】
J.J. Hunsecker:[回头看Sidney，然后对Manny]Manny，你给她当经纪人的这个可爱小东西到底有什么未被发现的天赋？
Manny Davis:那个，她会唱点歌……你懂的，唱歌嘛……
Linda James: Manny对我真是无比的信任，Hunsecker先生。事实上，我还在学习，但……
J.J. Hunsecker: 学什么？
Linda James:唱歌，当然了……音乐会以及……
J.J. Hunsecker: 为什么“当然”？也许可以学学比如说政治什么的……
Linda James:我？是说我吗？您在开玩笑吧，Hunsecker先生？用我泽西城的脑子？
J.J. Hunsecker: 脑子可能是泽西城的，但衣服却是Traina-Norell的。【Traina-Norell为服装品牌】
Harvey Walker议员:[转移话题，对Sidney]你是个演员吗，Falco先生？
Linda James: 这正是我想问的，你是吗，Falco先生？
J.J. Hunsecker: 你怎么猜到的呢，James小姐？
Linda James: 他很漂亮，就这样。
J.J. Hunsecker: Falco先生——让我直说吧——是个有40张脸而不是一张脸的人，这些脸一点也不漂亮，全部都很有欺骗性。你们看到那笑容了吗？那是，嗯，迷人的街头顽童的脸。这是他的无助表演的一部分：他乞求你的宽恕。对女士们他有六张脸，但我喜欢的、真正可爱的那张，是个敏捷、可靠的小伙子。如有必要他愿意为你做任何事——他这么说。这位我今晚并没有邀请的Falco先生是个饥渴的新闻代理人，已经准备好为他那卑微的营生使尽所有的花招。
[夹起一根未点燃的香烟面向Sidney]
J.J. Hunsecker: Match me, Sidney.【此处疑为双关语，一方面表达“和我较量一下吧（把你的花招全使出来吧）”，另一方面match也有火柴之意，故J.J. 夹起未点燃的香烟，并作令Sidney为其点烟的姿势】
Sidney Falco: 不是现在， J.J.。
Harvey Walker议员: 我可以问你个问题吗，Falco先生？新闻代理人到底是干什么的？
Sidney Falco: [尴尬地望向J.J.，似乎在寻求许可]呃……
J.J. Hunsecker: 说吧，Sidney。人家在帮你解围呢。
Sidney Falco: 您刚刚已经看到了一个好例子，议员。新闻代理人跟在专栏作家身后吃灰，还得管那叫吗哪。【吗哪为《圣经》中天赐的食物，喻指Sidney看J.J.的脸色还要对其感恩戴德】
Harvey Walker议员: 但你们给专栏作家提供新闻不也是帮他们忙吗？
Sidney Falco:当然，专栏作家也离不开我们，只不过我们了不起的好朋友J.J.忘了提到这一点。你们知道，是我们给他提供新闻的。
J.J. Hunsecker:你是说你那些廉价、拙劣的插科打诨？
Sidney Falco: 可你把它们登出来了不是吗？
J.J. Hunsecker:是呀，和你客户的名字一起。这就是那些可怜的傻瓜付钱给你的唯一目的——想看到他们的名字随着我的专栏传遍世界。可现在看起来倒是你在帮我了？……哪天我要是不靠新闻代理人就干不下去，我一定关门大吉然后卷铺盖搬到阿拉斯加。
Manny Davis: 扫扫我的雪屋，我来了。【雪屋为爱斯基摩人的建筑，J.J.前一句提到的阿拉斯加有爱斯基摩人居住，故Manny想借此打趣】
J.J. Hunsecker:听好，Manny，你是牵着议员的衣摆进来的，所以请闭嘴。
Harvey Walker议员:够了J.J.，这有点太刺耳了。看来今晚什么人都是你消遣的对象啊。
J.J. Hunsecker:这个人配不上你，Harvey，你不该和他一起公开出现。因为这正是新闻代理人的另一项工作——挖掘显赫人物的丑闻然后塞给愿意刊登的专栏作家。
Harvey Walker议员: 我是不是漏听了什么弦外之音啊……
J.J. Hunsecker:我们是朋友，Harvey——让我们回到你还是个菜鸟议员的时候吧，好吗？
Harvey Walker议员:为什么你的每句话听起来都像威胁？
J.J. Hunsecker: 也许只是风格问题——因为我从来不威胁朋友，Harvey。但你为何要给敌人提供弹药？你是有家室的人，凭上帝的意志，也许你哪天会想当总统的。可现在你却公然地在这里，让任何消息灵通的都知道这一个[指向Manny Davis]在把那一个[指向Linda James]兜售给你[指向议员]。我们还是小孩子吗？[起身]下次你可以和我一起上电视秀。
Harvey Walker议员: 谢谢你，J.J.。为了你的……我就当是建议吧。
J.J. Hunsecker: 走吧，别再干傻事了。
[众人离席，Sidney跟着J.J.]
J.J. Hunsecker: [对侍者]别让议员付账。[对Sidney]总统！我的大脚趾都能当个更好的总统。你的大衣呢，Sidney？省小费？我的好奇心能杀死我，不过我还是想知道你今晚怎么这么多话？
Sidney Falco: [指远处的警察Harry Kello]那是你的胖哥们。
[J.J.与Harry交谈]
J.J. Hunsecker:[对Harry]Harry，跟Sidney Falco问个好。逗逗他，他今晚是个坏孩子。他管你叫“我的胖哥们”呢。
[二人与Harry交谈后，Harry离去]
J.J. Hunsecker: [目睹醉鬼闹事]我爱这座肮脏的城市。Sidney，给我讲个动词的变形吧，比如说，“承诺”。你承诺破坏这桩风流韵事。那么什么时候呢？
Sidney Falco: 我怀疑你根本不知道这是在做什么。
J.J. Hunsecker: 好吧，我是小学生。教教我，教教我。
Sidney Falco: 你自己去破坏它。你知道你两分钟就能搞定。
J.J. Hunsecker: 都已经现在了你还要我解释？Susie是我的一切。她正在长大，而我希望我和她的关系至少能保持原样。如非必要我不想做任何和她作对的事。当心，孩子，我可能不得不给你点警告了。
Sidney Falco: 老实说，J.J.，我不认为你有任何能威胁我的筹码。
J.J. Hunsecker: 是吗？
Sidney Falco: 如果我错了就纠正我，但我认为就是这样。
J.J. Hunsecker: 我就再多听你一分钟。
Sidney Falco: 一年前我帮你办过某件事。那是一件……我这辈子都没做过的肮脏事。[看到J.J.转身欲走]好吧好吧，我已经忘了它了。现在让我们谈谈五个星期以前。“Sidney，我有个讨厌的麻烦。这么干——那么干——我会很感激的。” 我说过一个“不”字吗？我只是首先承认事情不像我们想象的进展那么快。但你为什么突然就不接我电话了？为什么在专栏上把我封杀了？
J.J. Hunsecker: 你说完了？
Sidney Falco: 没有，让我说完吧，J.J.。我不喜欢这个差事。那小子只是在演出日木讷了点，其他时候他还是有脑子的。Susan正在长大——那就是两个脑子。我们面临着一个很危险的问题。
J.J. Hunsecker: 不是“我们”，Sidney，是你！
Sidney Falco: 如果我错了尽管纠正我吧，但我还是要说：“我们”！如果我为了你铤而走险，你必须得知道是为了什么！
J.J. Hunsecker: 我的左手和右手都三十年没见过面了。【意即总有人替他干脏活，这些人互不相识，在幕后指使的他本人是绝不会落下把柄的】
Sidney Falco: 我会干的，J.J.。别误会。我会把事情办完的。但请别再给我迎头痛击了，你得让我谋生啊！
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney，你承诺了什么就去做。别再骗我，事情比你想象的晚了。
Sidney Falco: 不好意思，J.J.，是比你想象的晚。那小子向她求婚了。
J.J. Hunsecker: Susie这么说的？
Sidney Falco: 是啊。
J.J. Hunsecker: 她怎么答复的？
Sidney Falco: 她会在早餐时和你谈这事。
J.J. Hunsecker: 那就是说你已经有对策了。能透露下吗？
Sidney Falco: 今晚。在你上床之前。猫已经在袋子里、袋子已经在河里了。【比喻万事俱备】
J.J. Hunsecker: 别当两次失败者，Sidney。代价会很沉重的。
6、Sidney请求Otis Elwell刊登诽谤Steve的新闻
Otis Elwell: I can't think of a good reason why I should print anything you give me. I can't even think of a *bad* reason.
Sidney Falco:Suppose I introduce you to a... a lovely reason... who's both good *and* bad... and available?
Otis Elwell:I'm not an unreasonable man.
Otis Elwell：我想不出一个好的理由来刊登你给我的东西。我甚至想不出一个坏理由。
Sidney Falco: [看着杂志封面女郎]也许我可以给你介绍一个……一个可爱的理由……既好又坏，并且可用？
Otis Elwell:我也不是个不讲理的人。
7、为引诱Otis刊登新闻，Sidney将其介绍给自己的情人Rita，Rita大为恼火想要收拾行李离开，Sidney前去劝说
Sidney Falco: Don't you know who that man is?
Rita: Yeah！Otis Elwell, the columnist.
Sidney Falco: Yeah.
Rita: And he's a perfect stranger to me.
Sidney Falco: So take the five minutes. Get aquainted. He's an importent man. He's lonely. Don't be dumb.
Rita: What do you want all of a sudden? Lady Godiva? Where's my other shoe?
Sidney Falco: What kind of an act like this?
Rita: Don't you think I have any feelings? What I am? A bowl of fruit? A tangeine that peels in a minute?
Sidney Falco: I beg your pardon. How do you like this! I turn myself inside out to do you a favor, now I'm the heavy! Here's your shoe. There's your coat. And there's the door.
Rita: Sidney, I don't do this sorta thing.
Sidney Falco: What sorta thing?
Rita: This sorta thing!
Sidney Falco: You need him for a favor, don't you? Well, so do I. I need his column tonight. Did'nt you ask me to do something about your job? Don't you have a kid in military school?
Rita: You're a snake, Falco. You're a louse. A real louse.
Sidney Falco: Honey, he's gonna help you!
Sidney Falco:你不知道那人是谁吗？
Rita: 知道！Otis Elwell，专栏作家。
Sidney Falco: 就是啊。
Rita: 他对我来说完全是个陌生人！
Sidney Falco: 所以利用这五分钟，赶紧熟悉啊。他是个大人物，他一个人来的。别在这傻站着。
Rita: 那你现在想要什么？戈黛娃夫人？【戈黛娃夫人为中世纪贵妇，传说中为请求丈夫免除领民的赋税而裸体于市镇中骑行。喻指Sidney要Rita出卖肉体】我的另一只鞋呢？
Sidney Falco: 你这算什么？
Rita: 你认为我就没有一点点感觉吗？你把我当什么？一碗水果？一分钟就剥好皮的橙子？
Sidney Falco: [鞠躬]请您原谅！你怎么能这样！我全心全意帮你的忙，现在我倒成了恶人！这是你的鞋。这是你的大衣。这是门。
Rita: [在门前停下，犹豫]Sidney，我不干这种事的。
Sidney Falco: 哪种事啊？
Rita: 这种事！
Sidney Falco: 你需要他帮忙，不是吗？ 好吧，我也是。我今晚需要他的专栏。你不是让我想点法子保住你的工作吗？你不是在军校有个孩子要养活吗？
Rita: [被Sidney说服，从门前离开，放下衣物]你真是条蛇，Falco。你这个卑鄙小人。真正的卑鄙小人。
Sidney Falco: 宝贝，他是来帮你的！
8、在Rita屈服、同意“接待”Otis后，Sidney动身离开留下两人独处
Sidney Falco: Don't do anything I wouldn't do! That gives you a lot of leeway...
Sidney Falco:[对Otis]别做我不会做的事！这已经给你留了很大余地了……
9、Sidney给J.J.打电话，示意已经完成了拆散Steve与Susie的任务
Sidney Falco: Hello, J.J.? Sidney. J.J.?
J.J. Hunsecker: Yes, Sidney. You sound happy, Sidney. Why should you be happy when I'm not? How do you spell Picasso, the painter? One S or two?
Sidney Falco: Two.
J.J. Hunsecker: It's an item - I hear he dates three-eyed girls.
Sidney Falco: It'd be nice if you mention R-o-b-a-r-d. Robard's jazz joint. It's his 20th annivesary. Don't begrudge it to me, J.J. I owe him a lot of favors. I think you understand that the Dallas skull is badly dented. Oh yeah, very bad. Starting today you can play marbles with his eyeballs. Now don't begrudge it to me, J.J. Mention Robard...
J.J. Hunsecker: We shall see what we shall see, Sidney. And Sidney, don't use this phone anymore. I have a nervous sister.
Sidney Falco: 喂，J.J.？Sidney。J.J.？
J.J. Hunsecker: 是我，Sidney。你听起来很高兴啊，Sidney。我不高兴的时候你怎么能这么高兴？“毕加索”怎么拼，那个画家？一个S还是两个S？
Sidney Falco: 两个。
J.J. Hunsecker:[一边听电话一边打字]这是条新闻——我听说他和三只眼的女孩约会。
Sidney Falco:如果你能提一下R-o-b-a-r-d就更好了。Robard爵士乐餐厅，这是他的20周年纪念。别这么不情愿，J.J.。我欠他很多。我想你明白那个Dallas完蛋了。是的，有他好看的。明天开始你就能拿他的眼珠子玩弹球了。现在别对我这么小气了，J.J.。在你的专栏里提一下Robard……
J.J. Hunsecker:到底怎么样我们会看到的，Sidney。还有，别再用这个电话了。我妹妹有点神经质。
10、Susie怀疑Sidney和J.J.合谋陷害了Steve，Sidney和J.J.讨论对策
J.J. Hunsecker: I got that boy coming here today. If I can trust my eys, and I think I can, Susie knows all about your dirty work.
Sidney Falco: Can't hurt.
J.J. Hunsecker: Can't hurt? I had to get that boy his job back.
Sidney Falco: Look J.J., we can tie this off into one neat bundle, address it to the dumps, to oblivion. We're doing great, but please do it my way. I've cased this boy. I know his ins and outs. He's full of juice and vinegar, waiting for a big shot like you to put on the squeeze. You got the boy's job back, but he's not gonna accept your favor. The manager, yeah, but not that boy.
J.J. Hunsecker: What's this boy got that Susie likes?
Sidney Falco: Integrity - acute, like indigestion.
J.J. Hunsecker: What does that mean - integrity?
Sidney Falco: A pocket fulla firecrackers - looking for a match! It's a new wrinkle, to tell the truth... I never thought I'd make a killing on some guy's "integrity."
J.J. Hunsecker: I'd hate to take a bite outta you. You're a cookie full of arsenic.
J.J. Hunsecker: 我让那小子今天过来。如果我能相信我的眼睛——而我觉得我能——Susie完全清楚你干的好事。
Sidney Falco: 那无关紧要。
J.J. Hunsecker: 无关紧要？我不得不帮那小子找回他的工作。
Sidney Falco: 听着，J.J.，我们先把这些都打包送进垃圾堆，忘了吧。我们现在进展很顺利，但得照我说的做。我已经抓住那小子了，我知道他的全部弱点。他已经装满了果汁和醋，就等着你去榨他一下。你尽管去帮他把工作找回来，他绝对不会领你情的。他经纪人也许会，但他绝对不会。
J.J. Hunsecker: 那小子到底有什么让Susie喜欢的？
Sidney Falco: 正直，很正直，到了生硬的程度。
J.J. Hunsecker: 你说的正直是什么意思？
Sidney Falco: 他脾气爆得就像一口袋炮仗——只差一根火柴了！[笑]说实话这是个新伎俩……我以前从没想过可以利用一个人的“正直”杀死他。
J.J. Hunsecker:我真讨厌不得不在你身上咬上一口的时候，你是一块涂满了砒霜的饼干。【意即既赞赏Sidney的诡计，亦感到他的可怕】
11、Steve被J.J.和Sidney设计激怒后
Steve Dallas: Mr. Hunsecker, you've got more twists than a barrel of pretzels!
Steve Dallas:Hunsecker先生，你的花花肠子比一整桶椒盐卷饼还多！【椒盐卷饼pretzel，一种形状扭曲的点心，也可用来形容纠结缠绕之物】
12、J.J.遭到Steve一番怒斥后
J.J. Hunsecker: Son, I don't relish shooting a mosquito with an elephant gun, suppose you just shuffle along and call it a day?
J.J. Hunsecker: [对Steve]孩子，我可不喜欢用打大象的枪打蚊子，所以你干嘛不闪到一边去打发你的时间？【意即不屑于和Steve计较】
13、Sidney与J.J.共餐，庆贺Steve与Susie分手，但J.J.别有所图
Sidney Falco: We're on the verge of a farce. A real farce. As I see it, if Susie had stood behind him today, he might have proved a threat. But since primarily he's wedded to his work, he's not gonna be able to take it.
J.J. Hunsecker: Stop tinkering. That horseradish is fine.
Sidney Falco: It's all over, because any hour now that boy will give her up. Now, is it a farce, or is it?
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, this syrup you're giving out with... you pour over waffles, not J.J. Hunsecker. What do you mean, this lousy kid'll give up my sister?
Sidney Falco: How does it matter whose sister? The main thing is they're through.
J.J. Hunsecker: Am I supposed to forget how that kid talk to me today?
Sidney Falco: J.J, is he worthy of a seconde glance from a man like you? I mean that...
J.J. Hunsecker: Bite on this.
Sidney Falco: Steamship ticket.
J.J. Hunsecker: The next sailing. Susie's run down.
Sidney Falco: That's good. Now that louse is outta Susie's hair for good.
J.J. Hunsecker: I want that boy taken apart.
Sidney Falco: J.J, why do something that's gonna drive them right back into each other's arms?
J.J. Hunsecker: I know how to handle Susie. You just... You just handle the boy. Perfectly tonight.
Sidney Falco: What's tomorrow? A holiday? I think I'm going home. Maybe I left my sense of humor in my other suit.
J.J. Hunsecker: You've got a god - given brain, Sidney. Use it. You think this is a personal thing with me? Are you telling me I think of this in terms of personal pique? Today that boy wiped his feet on the choice, on the predilections at 60 million people in the greatest country in the world. If you had any morals, you'd understand the immorality of that boy's stand today. It wasn't me he criticised. It was my readers. Don't remove the gangplank, Sidney. You may wanna get back on board.
Sidney Falco: J.J, it's one thing to wear your dog collar. When it turns into a noose, I'd have my freedom.
J.J. Hunsecker: The man in jail is always for freedom.
Sidney Falco: Except, if you'll excuse me, I'm not in jail.
J.J. Hunsecker: You're in jail. You're a prisoner of your own fears, your own greed and ambition.
Sidney Falco: You're blind, Mr Magoo. This is the crossroads for me. I won't get Kello. Not for a lifetime pass to the Polo Grounds. Not if you served me Cleopatra on a plate.
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney, I told you...
Sidney Falco: I swear on my mother's life, I wouldn't do that. Not if you gave me a column would I do a thing...
J.J. Hunsecker: Who do you think writes the column while Susie and I are away for three month? The men in the moon? Thank you, Sidney. And, Sidney, I'll have that piece of paper back.
Sidney Falco: 我们差点就搞成了一场闹剧。一场真正的闹剧。照我看如果Susie坚决支持他，那或许他还真是个威胁。但既然他首先是娶了他的工作，他就无福消受了。
J.J. Hunsecker: 别再喋喋不休了。这山葵不错。
Sidney Falco: 全都结束了，那小子随时打算放弃她。真是场闹剧，是不是？
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney，你该把糖浆倒在华夫饼上，而不是倒在我身上。【意即别再讲些漂亮话，还不是庆祝的时候】你真以为那个小无赖会放弃我妹妹？
Sidney Falco: 是谁的妹妹有什么关系？重要的是他们结束了。
J.J. Hunsecker:我该忘了那小子怎么和我说话的吗？
Sidney Falco:J.J.，他值得你这样的人多看一眼吗？我是说……
J.J. Hunsecker: 看看这个。
Sidney Falco: 船票。
J.J. Hunsecker: 下一班。Susie很受打击。
Sidney Falco: 那挺好啊。这样那个混蛋就远离Susie了。
J.J. Hunsecker: 我想让那小子被大卸八块。
Sidney Falco:J.J.，为什么要做可能让他们重归于好的事？
J.J. Hunsecker:我知道怎么对付Susie。你只需要……只需要对付那小子。今晚动手就挺合适。[递给Sidney让他联系警察Kello的纸条]
Sidney Falco: 明天怎么样？一个假日？我该回家了。也许我把幽默感忘在了另一件衣服里。
J.J. Hunsecker:上帝给了你脑子，Sidney。用用它吧。你觉得这是我个人的事？你以为我只是因为自尊受损？这小子今天践踏的，是这个最伟大的国家6千万人民的选择和喜好。如果你有道德，自然会看到他立场的不义。他批评的不是我而是我的读者。[Sidney作势要离开]别早早把跳板拿掉，Sidney。你没准还得回到船上呢。
Sidney Falco: J.J.，戴着你的项圈是一回事，当它变成绞索时，我还是宁可要回我的自由。
J.J. Hunsecker:监狱里的人总是想要自由。
Sidney Falco:除了——原谅我的纠正——我并没在监狱里。
J.J. Hunsecker:你在监狱里。你是你自己的恐惧、贪婪和野心的囚犯。
Sidney Falco:醒醒吧，Mr Magoo。【一个美国动画形象，富有但常因短视陷入麻烦】这是我的底线。我不会去找Kello，不会为了Polo Grounds的终身票干这事。【Polo Grounds为纽约曼哈顿上城三座体育场的合称，棒球纽约扬基队、橄榄球纽约巨人队等的主场】你把埃及艳后端在盘子上送给我，我也不干。
J.J. Hunsecker: Sidney，我告诉过你……
Sidney Falco:我以我妈的名义发誓，我不干。不是说你给我一个专栏就可以让我做……
J.J. Hunsecker: 你以为我和Susie离开的三个月里谁来写专栏？月球人？谢了，Sidney。还有，我要把纸条拿回来。
14、Sidney栽赃Steve藏毒后，Susie威胁Sidney要自杀，Sidney嘲笑她的想法
Sidney Falco: Start thinking with your head instead of your hips. Uh - by the way, I got nothing against women thinking with their hips. That's their nature. Just like it's a *man's* nature to go out and hustle and get the things he wants.
Sidney Falco: [对Susie] 开始用脑子思考吧，别再用屁股了。啊，当然我并不是反对女人用屁股思考。那是她们的天性。正如男人的天性是去拼搏、夺取他想要的东西。
西德尼向上爬需要攀附大树是兰卡斯特所扮演的全美最有影响力专栏作家JJ。而JJ目前遇到了一个麻烦：他视如掌上明珠的妹妹正和一个才华横溢的酒吧乐队的吉他手处于热恋之中。JJ不想他们继续发展下去，但出于维护自身在妹妹心目中的形象的考虑，又不好亲自动手拆散这对恋人。于是，始终在旁窥测的西德尼有了表现和巴结的机会。他通过自己的专栏中介的角色，千方百计的制造各种不利于恋情发展的事件……
我始终认为兰卡斯特不属于能够挑战跨度很大不同性格角色那种演员。纵观其出演的《乱世忠魂》《纽伦堡大审判》《豹》《火车》等多部影片，虽然题材迥异，角色的性格特征也不尽相同。但兰卡斯特的表演似乎并无做出适用性调整。当然，这并不等于影片的整体质量因此会受到很大影响。因为兰卡斯特本人的气质和明星魅力使观众能够接受其角色塑造上的雷同感。而一旦影片的题材和角色对了路，能够最大程度发挥其的本色优势时，兰卡斯特的表演则臻于完美。本片既是如此。他塑造的JJ，冷酷近于粗暴、自负近于狂妄但同时确实具有杰出专栏作家所应有的敏锐的观察和判断力。这些人物特征酒吧与西德尼、参议员一行人的聚会段落得到充分体现。他先是毫不客气的贬损了参议员邀请来女歌手和他的经理人。言语之尖酸犀利完全有失最起码的社交礼仪。就连坐在一旁的参议员也难以忍受并表示了不满。可是JJ没有道歉，相反他振振有词说出自己的道理。参议员听后哑口无言，不得不承认对方所言直指要害，确实是有利于他政治仕途的苦口良药。可当散席离座后，JJ则展示了他自负的一面。他颇为不屑地对身边的西德尼表达了对这些政客的鄙视：我的一个大脚趾都能制造出美国总统。
如果观众可以暂时摒弃演员的同性恋背景观看本片，那么托尼柯蒂斯的表演似乎比兰卡斯特还要出色。影片提供了他比后者，有着更多的展示角色性格复杂性的机会。在JJ面前，西德尼谦卑、隐忍甚至遭到十分粗鲁对待和羞辱之后，能表现出极大的克制；而在那些和他有商业关系的客户面前，他则的狡诈、世故，虽然偶有失误，但是事情最终还是想着他操纵的方向发展；而回到了自己的办公室，只用面对自己的女助理时，他释放了本性。焦躁、烦乱甚至还有自我剖析！而柯蒂斯的表演非常到位。
在上面提及的聚会段落还有一处隐喻情节。之前，西德尼离开办公室去酒吧。女助理提醒他忘了拿大衣。他答道：省的给侍者小费。而到了聚会的结束后，两人离开酒吧时。JJ到衣帽间去了自己的大衣和帽子，但他也没有付小费。同样不付小费，JJ靠的是权势和影响力，而西德尼则只能是靠玩玩小伎俩。行为上的相似，象征这两人短暂的的合作关系，而背后的巨大的地位差异则隐约暗示出了西德尼的悲剧性结局。
两位主人公的在性方面有着各自不同的模糊性。影片中，我们没有看到对于JJ的感情生活的描绘。而唯一一次面对陌生女性情节中，表现的还是他的自大与傲慢，但同时他对妹妹关爱却到了异乎寻常的程度。那么是不是由此可以引申为这是影片对于兄妹二人的某种“乱伦”隐喻呢？并不一定如此。影片的高明之处就在于，主人公对于女性的态度、行为，完全可以从其他方面加以合理解读。比如，JJ的对于妹妹那种的控制欲，可理解为是他职业行为方式向个人生活的一种延续，而在酒吧中，对那位颇有几分姿色的女歌手的粗暴态度，也能在同参议员的最后一段关于政客经验的对话中找到不错的借口。相比之下，西德尼的模糊性，则更多是源于其扮演者柯蒂斯。片中，曾经有两位女子表现出了对这位英俊潇洒的青年专栏经理人的好感。一位是他的助理，另一位是借以获得内线消息的酒吧女。虽然两人表达的场所、方式和程度都有所不同，我们依然可以很清楚感受到其中的爱意。可西德尼对此的反应确实非常冷漠。如果此角色是由其他演员扮演，那么而这种对女性的冷漠，可以很简单解读为一个正在极力向上爬而不择手段的小人物因对目标的绝对专注而无暇顾忌其他。但是当它的扮演者变成了是托尼·柯蒂斯情况就不一样了。有着浑厚低沉的嗓音，外表却极具同性恋特征的柯蒂斯，实际上也就是一个同性恋。而他本人也坦诚过，年轻时代曾经沉迷其中。因此，上述情节很容易使观众，将其同演员实际生活中的性取向联系起来而做出另类解读。
这种角色性格的模糊性，也直接反应在影片的结局段落。当得知钟爱的男友被警察“处理”之后，痛不欲生的妹妹准备跳楼寻短见。西德尼及时发现，并从栏杆边缘奋力将其抱回卧室。而这一幕的后半部分“恰好”被刚刚赶到的JJ所目睹。他大发雷霆，指责西德尼对其妹有所不轨……这段情节在一般层面上，可以很容易的被理解为是对JJ有悖伦理性心理的揭示。但是换个角度呢，似乎依然也可以找到合理的解答：JJ一直瞧不起西德尼。同时对于这个小人物一心想借自己往上爬的动机也了然于胸。他只是迫于不能自己直接出面，要有人配合阻止妹妹的恋情而不得不与之合作。可是，在合作过程中，JJ越发的感觉到这个“后起之秀”的可怕，从内心深处产生了某种危机意识和敌视心理。而跳楼一幕，无意间为他这种心理意识提供了一个爆发点。值得注意的是，这两种解读并不矛盾，它们之间并非非此即彼的关系。因此，如果将JJ的情绪爆发看作为上述两种因素混合作用的结果，不但不会牵强反而似乎更有说服力。一部杰出的影片，当其提供给观众开放式的模糊情节时，总是能够保持其自身故事逻辑和角色塑造上的合理性和一致性。《成功的滋味》无疑做到了这一点。
本片导演亚历山大·麦肯德里克，在四、五十年代，为伊林公司拍摄了若干部经典喜剧影片。作品风格较为黑色，同时也更加关注社会讽刺和批判。与传统的轻松、戏虐式英国喜剧有了明显区隔。其中比较有影响力作品有：《荒岛酒池》《白衣人》。而在1955年的《老妇杀手》再次大获成功之后，麦肯德里克远赴好莱坞发展。不久便执导出了本片。虽然，现在的影评家一致认为它是导演本人最杰出的作品。但在当年，他却没有任何机会体会这种“成功的滋味”：影片遭遇到了票房上的惨败。而麦肯德里克也因此在执导了另外三部作品之后令人遗憾的早早结束了自己的导演生涯。1969年直至1993年去世前，他一直就职与加州的某电影机构，从事学术研究工作。好莱坞又毁了一位电影天才。