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Run Time: 94 minutes
Abysmal. Complete trash-- bad acting, writing, cinematography,
etc.
Bomb. One or two redeeming qualities, but inferior overall.
Average. Not outstanding in most respects, but worth checking
out.
I
had a ball. Solid acting, writing, cinematography, etc. Superior in many
respects.
Excellent.
A true classic. Few, if any, flaws.
This film is somewhat schizophrenic in tone and material. The film strives to break out of simple screwball comedy and to deliver a deeper, more serious point. The underlying serious point is that poverty is not a result of moral shortcomings, but, rather, is a result of misfortune and the vagaries of the economic cycle. On this level, the film succeeds masterfully. Godfrey, as the film's conscience, delivers the message without becoming preachy or heavy-handed. His simple eloquence packs a powerful punch in its quiet dignity. This balance is the result of a well written screenplay and masterful delivery by one of cinema's finest talents.
The film also tries to work on another level. It tries to be a clever romantic comedy. Sadly the film misses the mark in this regard. I very much like Ms. Lombard and her considerable talents; however, her Irene, indeed the entire Bullock family, is loud, annoying and only marginally funny. When one contrasts the pathetic shell that is Irene to the substantial, thoughtful Godfrey, it defies logic that a true romance would develop, and the fact that it does seems forced, contrived, and artificial like most of the humor in this film. While there are a few minor chuckles, there is no real comedy per se in this film. On this account, the film is supremely disappointing.
The technical aspects of the film are, for the most part, good but not great. The supporting acting is slightly above average (however, I must make note that Auer's Carlo is very, very nicely done). The flm's direction is satisfactory; however, the large party scenes look stilted, artificial, and loud for the sake of being loud. The cinematography is sound as is the sound editing.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed
in this film. My rating is:
Let us know what you think -- please e-mail.
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