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In comparison to which a preferred more, I would prefer the movie over the novel. Combining the theatrical elements of Hollywood film noir, Chandler's(screen-writer) dialogue skills, and Cain's hard-boiled style, the film gives a better insight to the triangular relationship between Phyllis, Walter, and Keyes. In the film, we see that Walter is in a never-ending conflict to assert himself over Phyllis, and at the same time, to become more "intimate" with Keyes. Through …

…is similair to his relations with Phyllis. Rather than exerting himself through notions and metaphors, Walter tries to extend himself over Keyes by trying to conceal a perfect crime. The film's combination of the noir imagery, hard-boiled dialogue, and pulp characters gives a better look at the struggle to keep a "perfect" murder perfect. Cain did a good job iin presenting the story in novel form, but the material is better presented as a screen-play.