• The Criterion Files

    The Criterion Files: Kiss Me Deadly

    Kiss Me Deadly Directed by: Robert Aldrich Written by: Mickey Spillane (story), A.I. Bezzerides (screenplay) Starring: Ralph Meeker, Maxine Cooper, Albert Dekker, Gaby Rodgers Cinematography by: Ernest Laszio Music by: Frank DeVol Release: May 18, 1955 “Va-va-voom! Pow pow!” Those words may encapsulate the masculine, grunting energy of Kiss Me Deadly, Robert Aldrich’s noir masterpiece, better than any of the film’s most striking images or its myriad other memorable lines of dialogue. After all, if you want to understand what makes Mike Hammer tick, you only need to look as far as the cars he drives; they’re the sleek, muscular sort of vehicles most men covet and can only dream of owning…