“The Maltese Falcon” is a noir masterpiece, from any perspectives not just about the story and protagonist, but also the scene, lighting and photographic composition is giving viewers that perplexing feeling and curiosity, force themselves fully invested in the story. Story looks an easy case but astonishing behind the scenes. Also I think Sam Spade is giving a perfect model of protagonist in film noir. This film is such cold, and his face looks even colder, no feelings, even more like a bad person, but full of wisdom. He never exposes his inner thoughts, does not believe anyone, nor pay any emotion, but only with a cold heart. His role matches to the story perfectly. Therefore I think each film noir must have a kind of protagonist who is wise and brave, and cool. Which make film noir become special because of the noir charm of protagonist.

We can see Sam Spade is wise and brave. He did not believe in the words of neither Mary Astor, nor anyone else, he acts with the brightest minds of his own, as well as sharp language, against to three gangsters and wrapped them around his little finger. Moreover, not only the three gangsters, but also police and prosecutors could not reach him either. The most incredible is that Sam Spade would escape from all kinds of danger, but never without empty-handed.