It had been a long time since I'd seen this one, back then it was a favourite. Fox has given this semi-classic a rich DVD transfer but its impact seems to have diminished over time. While it has superbly talented names in all dept's, something was lacking. Perhaps it had a little to do with the political witch-hunts that were brewing in the 50s leaving many creative talents a tad nervous about attracting attention? Brando was still rather new so he was working hard to build his following (before his ego took the main stage). He had a top writer scratching out lines in John Steinbeck, a powerful new director in Elia Kazan, a mainstream producer in Darryl F. Zanuck, and they all had the tremendous B/W Master photographer Joe MacDonald to cover their work.
This great D.O.P. knew all there was to know about B/W film stocks - along with the correct range of filters to use to give it that creative edge (this man even made TV of the day look like cinema - quite an achievement). If anyone should have been honoured on this production it was he. As for the script, it came across as manipulative and way over romanticised - leaving several elements floundering for believability. Still, it looks terrific and has several striking aspects; including a fascinating & haunting Joseph Wiseman performance (an underrated screen presence) lovely Jean Peters, exciting Alex North score, Award- winning Anthony Quinn character, and fact-based historical background. Certain plot developments tend to be overlooked so you may have to fill in some spaces.
Should still interest fans of the considerable talent involved, also those discovering the tragic and corrupt history of this land and its people (at least those elements that haven't been fictionalized).
This great D.O.P. knew all there was to know about B/W film stocks - along with the correct range of filters to use to give it that creative edge (this man even made TV of the day look like cinema - quite an achievement). If anyone should have been honoured on this production it was he. As for the script, it came across as manipulative and way over romanticised - leaving several elements floundering for believability. Still, it looks terrific and has several striking aspects; including a fascinating & haunting Joseph Wiseman performance (an underrated screen presence) lovely Jean Peters, exciting Alex North score, Award- winning Anthony Quinn character, and fact-based historical background. Certain plot developments tend to be overlooked so you may have to fill in some spaces.
Should still interest fans of the considerable talent involved, also those discovering the tragic and corrupt history of this land and its people (at least those elements that haven't been fictionalized).