A rough neighborhood

There’s a quote in a book that applies to all these detective stories. “When you are willing to do the things your enemy does not expect of you, then you have defeated him.” Though Mr. Marlowe and Brendan are put time and again between a tough guy and hard decision, we see them persevere, against the odds and to the great surprise of their enemies. Consider any of several scenes in “Brick” where Brendan beats his enemy, be it Tugger in his car, Brad with his posse, or Dode with his group. In every case Brendan is outmatched and expected to chicken out, back off, or get scared away. In every case Brendan gets what he needs, not through any particular brilliance on his own part, but by doing the thing his enemy does not expect. He suffers the slings and arrows of outrageous punks to get what he’s there for.

Turn the page to our tough-as-nails Marlowe. Staring down the barrel of a gun puts most men in their place pretty damn quick, yet Marlowe hasn’t much patience for guys and girls who talk big but run out of words for a brick wall. Be his opponent a rich girl used to getting her way or a tough guy hiding behind the threat of a lead sandwich, he will not be cowed and will not be placated. He needs information and he gets it, and throughout we see a strange set of paradoxical traits appear via his dealings. There’s a sort of loyalty, split between his customers and his paycheck. A willingness to divulge information when he needs and a hand glued to his chest otherwise. A respect for the law, or at least an admission of the copper’s territory, but he’s willing to throw a punch or break a window. Strange, lucky, tough, maybe foolish but definitely not stupid, these two guys are worth watchin’ out for.

-Jeremy Aronow