Even if I was not expecting a full take on the long and complex novel, as I knew it focused on the gloomy romance between Philip and Mildred, I was nevertheless disappointed by this movie. Having read the book, I had my ideas about Philip, the character played by Leslie Howard. After all, he is a rather complex character– a shy, reserved boy, with an adventurous and daring side.
Unfortunately, the script makes a complete wimp out of Philip and Leslie Howard certainly did not help with his very passive interpretation. Perhaps my total lack of appreciation for Howard contributed to the general feeling of disappointment about the movie.
As mentioned by other reviewers, the movie comes alive only because of Bette Davis. She plays perfectly Mildred, the truly despicable maid. A cold, unfeeling, selfish, ignorant creature, so stupid to destroy the only man who loves her and herself along the way.
Mildred is one of the most senselessly self-destructive characters ever. From the moment she enters the movie the audience – and Philip – are aware of what sort of creature she is. Her attitude is rude, she is vulgar and dismissive. It is almost impossible to understand what pushes Philip to pursue her, considering how she thrashes him.
Also, given the cold approach of Howard, it is almost impossible to believe his character is so madly in love with her. The total lack of chemistry between Howard and Davis ruins the movie. Some of their scenes are cringe-inducing and involuntarily comic. The worst one involves Philip inviting one of his classmates to spend an evening with Mildred and him, and acting like a voyeur to their shameless flirting behavior. It is just impossible to watch without wondering what sort of man would stand that sort of humiliation.
On a side note, it is interesting to note that Davis did not look particularly good at the beginning of the movie, with her classic 30's make-up (pencil thin, wide apart eyebrows which did nothing to make her bulging eyes look less protruding). However, her look improves during her descent to hell. Her hair is cut into a platinum bob; the smudged, smoky make-up around her eyes makes her face strangely modern; her whole features becomes less doll-like stylized.
As I watched the DVD, I almost fell asleep towards the end, wondering how Scarlett O'Hara ever managed to be so passionately in love with Ashley, played by the very same Howard. . My apologies to Howard's fans, but I totally lack any appreciation for his skills. Bravo to Davis, as usual, but even she is not enough to make this movie a classic.
Unfortunately, the script makes a complete wimp out of Philip and Leslie Howard certainly did not help with his very passive interpretation. Perhaps my total lack of appreciation for Howard contributed to the general feeling of disappointment about the movie.
As mentioned by other reviewers, the movie comes alive only because of Bette Davis. She plays perfectly Mildred, the truly despicable maid. A cold, unfeeling, selfish, ignorant creature, so stupid to destroy the only man who loves her and herself along the way.
Mildred is one of the most senselessly self-destructive characters ever. From the moment she enters the movie the audience – and Philip – are aware of what sort of creature she is. Her attitude is rude, she is vulgar and dismissive. It is almost impossible to understand what pushes Philip to pursue her, considering how she thrashes him.
Also, given the cold approach of Howard, it is almost impossible to believe his character is so madly in love with her. The total lack of chemistry between Howard and Davis ruins the movie. Some of their scenes are cringe-inducing and involuntarily comic. The worst one involves Philip inviting one of his classmates to spend an evening with Mildred and him, and acting like a voyeur to their shameless flirting behavior. It is just impossible to watch without wondering what sort of man would stand that sort of humiliation.
On a side note, it is interesting to note that Davis did not look particularly good at the beginning of the movie, with her classic 30's make-up (pencil thin, wide apart eyebrows which did nothing to make her bulging eyes look less protruding). However, her look improves during her descent to hell. Her hair is cut into a platinum bob; the smudged, smoky make-up around her eyes makes her face strangely modern; her whole features becomes less doll-like stylized.
As I watched the DVD, I almost fell asleep towards the end, wondering how Scarlett O'Hara ever managed to be so passionately in love with Ashley, played by the very same Howard. . My apologies to Howard's fans, but I totally lack any appreciation for his skills. Bravo to Davis, as usual, but even she is not enough to make this movie a classic.