when comparing the two films, The Big Sleep and Brick, you will see similarities between the main characters. Marlow (The Big Sleep) an older, private detective is very similar to Brandon (Brick), a young high school student. both come across as witty, clever and straight talking, they each take on their case in a completely independent way. When they are talking, their dialogue is perfect and they always know what they are going to say next. They also both decide to continue investigating the crimes, even though they are no longer their problem.

Furthermore, both female figures in each film try to gain the main characters trust to throw them off the scent.

Cigarettes are used majorly in each film, but for very different reasons. In Brick, it is the small arrow at the butt, which helps Brandon discover the real truth