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 …showed first 75 words of 320 total…

…showed last 75 words of 320 total…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.