“In Robert Moore’s 1978 comedic gem, The Cheap Detective, Ann-Margret doesn’t simply enter the scene; she materializes as Jezebel Dezire, a shimmering, almost hallucinatory embodiment of every iconic femme fatale that ever graced the silver screen. Penned by the master of wit, Neil Simon, the film is a loving and uproarious parody of classic noir, twisting its smoky tropes and dangerous dames into a tapestry of pure farce. At the heart of this delightful chaos, Ann-Margret, with a knowing wink and a voice that purrs like velvet, delivers a performance that is both a hilarious send-up and a captivating homage to the archetype.”
The Embodiment of Exaggerated Allure: A Satirical Siren
- A Fever Dream of Femme Fatales:
- Ann-Margret’s portrayal of Jezebel Dezire is not just a nod to the dangerous women of noir; it’s a full-blown, almost surreal amalgamation of their most defining characteristics. She embodies the seductive mystery of countless iconic figures, distilled into one unforgettable and exaggerated persona.
- This approach allows her to tap into the collective memory of the femme fatale, playing on audience expectations while simultaneously subverting them for comedic effect.
- An Echo Turned Up to Eleven:
- Jezebel isn’t a subtle imitation; she’s the amplified echo of every alluring schemer from cinematic landmarks like Casablanca and The Big Sleep. Ann-Margret takes the established tropes of the genre and cranks them up to an absurdly delightful eleven, creating a character who is both familiar and hilariously over-the-top.
- This exaggeration is key to the film’s comedic success, allowing it to poke fun at the genre’s conventions while still celebrating their inherent dramatic flair.
- A Name Dripping with Double Entendre:
- Even Jezebel’s name, “Jezebel Dezire,” sounds like it was concocted in a haze of potent perfume and suggestive innuendo. This deliberate construction of her moniker immediately signals the film’s satirical intent and Ann-Margret’s knowing participation in the joke.
- The name itself becomes a comedic device, a verbal wink to the audience that sets the tone for the character’s exaggerated allure and the film’s overall farcical nature.
Oozing Danger and Ridiculous Glamour: The Satirical Siren’s Pull
- Equal Measures of Threat and Absurdity:
- Jezebel Dezire masterfully blends genuine danger with an almost cartoonish level of glamour. Ann-Margret navigates this delicate balance with remarkable skill, creating a character who is both a plausible threat to Peter Falk’s bumbling detective and a source of constant comedic delight.
- This duality is central to the film’s parody, highlighting the often-unintentional absurdity that can be found within the heightened drama of classic noir.
- Drawing Lou Peckinpaugh into the Absurd:
- As Jezebel, Ann-Margret acts as the seductive siren who lures Peter Falk’s Lou Peckinpaugh deeper and deeper into a labyrinth of increasingly absurd plot twists and suspiciously familiar scenarios. Her allure is the catalyst for much of the film’s comedic chaos.
- Her interactions with Falk’s deadpan detective create a hilarious dynamic, with her over-the-top femme fatale routine playing perfectly against his grounded bewilderment.
- A World Where Tropes are Twisted:
- Set in a world where every trench coat conceals a punchline and every shadow hides a comedic setup, The Cheap Detective relies on its characters’ awareness of the noir tropes they embody. Ann-Margret’s Jezebel is a key player in this self-aware comedic landscape.
- Her performance thrives on this meta-awareness, with subtle glances and knowing inflections that suggest she’s as much in on the joke as the audience.
Parody and Celebration: A Nuanced Take on the Archetype
- Stretching, Bending, and Mocking the Fatal Woman:
- Ann-Margret doesn’t simply mimic the femme fatale; she takes the archetype and stretches it to its comedic breaking point, bending its conventions and playfully mocking its inherent melodrama.
- This deconstruction of the iconic figure is both a source of humor and a clever commentary on the often-stereotypical portrayal of women in noir films.
- Channeling Raw Allure Despite the Farce:
- Despite the comedic exaggeration, Ann-Margret still manages to channel the raw allure that made the original femme fatales so captivating. There’s an underlying sensuality and magnetic presence that shines through the parody, hinting at the power of the archetype itself.
- This ability to simultaneously satirize and embody the allure of the femme fatale is a testament to Ann-Margret’s nuanced understanding of the role.
- Self-Awareness as Irresistibility:
- There’s a distinct sense that Jezebel Dezire is aware of her own ridiculousness. This self-awareness, far from diminishing her appeal, makes her all the more irresistible to both the audience and the hapless Lou Peckinpaugh.
- This layer of self-consciousness adds a modern, comedic twist to the classic femme fatale, making her a uniquely engaging and humorous character.
Stealing Every Scene: Pure Star Power in a Spoof
- Bursting with Homages and Hilarity:
- In a film that is already bursting at the seams with loving homages to noir classics and a relentless barrage of hilarious gags, Ann-Margret’s presence manages to stand out.
- Her performance becomes a highlight within an already entertaining and cleverly constructed comedic landscape.
- Beyond Spoof: Pure Star Power:
- While The Cheap Detective is undeniably a spoof, Ann-Margret’s performance transcends mere imitation. She brings genuine star power to the role, imbuing Jezebel with a captivating presence that goes beyond the comedic requirements of the parody.
- Her charisma and screen presence elevate the character, making her more than just a caricature and solidifying her impact on the film.
- Sharp, Sultry, and Utterly In On the Game:
- Ann-Margret’s portrayal of Jezebel is sharp, both in its comedic timing and its understanding of the noir conventions. She is undeniably sultry, channeling the seductive power of the femme fatale. And most importantly, she is utterly in on the joke, delivering her lines and embodying the character with a knowing wink that delights the audience.
- This complete immersion in the film’s comedic tone, combined with her inherent star quality, makes her performance a standout element of The Cheap Detective.
Conclusion:
“Ann-Margret’s portrayal of Jezebel Dezire in The Cheap Detective is a masterclass in comedic performance, a brilliant deconstruction and loving celebration of the classic femme fatale. She doesn’t just walk into the frame; she slinks in as a hilariously exaggerated embodiment of noir’s most dangerous women, oozing both threat and ridiculous glamour. With a knowing wink and a velvet growl, Ann-Margret steals every scene, her performance a testament to her sharp comedic timing, her enduring sultriness, and her complete immersion in the film’s farcical world. Jezebel Dezire, as brought to life by Ann-Margret, is a fever dream of noir turned up to eleven, a satirical siren who is both irresistibly funny and a captivating homage to the iconic archetype.”
