Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on June 01, 2011 at 15:50:27

is one of those rarities: a film that equals or surpasses the source. Ralph Richardson's character of a protective, patrician father eager to save his daughter (Olivia de Havilland) from the clutches of a fortune-hunting bon vivant (Monty Clift) is brilliantly realized: it must rank as one of the greatest celluloid performances. De Havilland and Clift are up to his standard, however, and the ensemble is as fine as any you will see: no emotional outbursts for slight reasons; no scenery chewing. Rather, the words and manners allow one to see behind the subtle expressions to the emotions raging beneath the surface as the callous but charming Clift attempts to circumvent the all-too-knowing father to win the hand of the wallflower. It is amazing to see the beauty of de Havilland so disguised by plain hair, utter lack of makeup, and mousy dress.
I strongly urge you to watch this with your wife/significant other. No woman will emerge from this experience with dry eyes. But it is not a "woman's" picture. The complex characters of Richardson and Clift perfectly are portrayed; their battle of wills is as interesting as any ninja battle or six-shooter showdown.