A review by j_greer
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain

5.0

A triumph of atmosphere. Steinbeck's work does well to capture the grit and gristle of California. But Cain's going for something deeper. What do roads represent? More specifically, what do California roads represent? It's likely that we'd each have a different opinion on that one. For Cain, they're both portals and record-keepers. One of the more quiet standout moments occurs when Frank is questioned about his laundry-list of jail stops. It's an impressive list, one that spans most of America. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that Frank had no other option than roads to arrive at each of these locations. The intricate murder and vivid sexuality are undoubtedly the center of this noir. But they'd have no traction, no ambulation, no movement without the roads they take place on.