Choosing Those You Trust

Trust cannot be given to just anyone, as we quickly discover in The Big Sleep. Each character has his or her own motivations. Many of the characters do not seem concerned about how their actions affect others, and they are first and foremost interested in taking care of themselves.

Of all the characters in the film, Carmen seems to be the worst at choosing the right people to trust. Because she becomes involved with Eddie Mars, Geiger, and the other men of the underworld, she puts herself and her entire family in danger. Her actions cause both her father and sister to be blackmailed so that they can try to protect her from going to jail.

Marlowe also must be careful about whom he trusts. Vivian is openly hostile to him, but she does seem to cooperate with his investigation at times. On the other...