A real one-off, combining the bleakness of noir with the homely dilemmas of the nascent women’s picture to create something completely unique. Most of what’s great about the film comes straight from James M. Cain’s fabulous source novel: the rags-to-riches plot, the sharp dialogue and the devilish critique of the American dream. But it’s in the characters that both book and movie really come alive- Joan Crawford works wonders in the central role, and she’s surrounded by a raft of talented bit players (though the squeaky voiced Mammy does feel awkward). But it’s Cain’s villain, the insanely self absorbed Veda, who really makes an impression, one of the most cold blooded and frightening child characters in cinema, desperate to climb the social ranks and crushing anyone who gets in her way, even her own mother, whom she takes a brutal delight in tearing to shreds.
by Tom Huddleston | Source: DVD
20 Dec 2007 9:04 AM | Comments (1)
Thanks for picking one of my favorite films. I think calling the supporting cast “bit players” is a tad pejorative and also inaccurate to boot—Eve Arden, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott—they are supporting players who move the story forward.
One other thing, that is not “Mammy (the gifted Hattie McDaniel,” but Butterfly McQueen, the actress, dancer and early civil-rights activist who played Prissy in Gone With the Wind. The woman had an ability to read any line, ANY LINE, and make it funny…a rare gift.
David Ezell
10 January 2010
10:49 PM
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