'The Night of the Iguana' had a lot of appetising ingredients. That it was written and based off a play by Tennessee Williams, a play well worth reading and watching if one loves truly great dialogue and remarkably uncompromising and rich character writing (though do prefer especially 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'). That it was directed by John Huston, who made some great/classic films. And that it had a cast difficult to resist, Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Deborah Kerr in the same film is quite a heavenly match.
While the film adaptation of 'The Night of the Iguana' is not perfect, it's very well crafted and does very well adapting one of Williams' more difficult plays to adapt/film. Although the definitive film adaptation of any of Williams' work will always be to me 1951's 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'The Night of the Iguana' does compare favourably when talking about other Williams film adaptations. Generally though his work lends itself better to made for television or filmed productions, due to when done well having more freedom and not needing to tone anything down or suppress anything.
Starting with what doesn't quite work, will agree with those that felt that it did veer on too melodramatic, some of the early parts are on the overwrought side.
Also found Skip Ward a bit annoying and wooden.
On the other hand, the rest of the performances are fine. Loved Deborah Kerr's demure sincerity, if she did come over as subdued compared to a few other actors it is because some of the other characters have more meat and are wilder. Ava Gardner is sultry and bold as brass, while Richard Burton's intensity smolders. Oscar-nominated Grayson Hall brings her character to frightening life while post-'Lolita' Sue Lyon puts some of the qualities from that performances to here. Can't forget a beautifully understated Cyril Delavanti. Was a bit worried as to whether John Huston was the right director or not for the film, thinking that his directing approach would be too laconic and that another director like Elia Kazan would fit better. Was proven wrong, the crispness he brought matched beautifully.
Furthermore, Williams' dialogue simmers and sears and is intelligent, entertaining and poignant in equal measure. Didn't think either that 'The Night of the Iguana' was a case of a film adaptation of a Williams play being ahead of its time and controversial at the time but tame now, or one that toned down or suppressed themes, subplots and characteristics. It still feels quite daring and the steaminess is still intact. The story is melodramatic but still compelling, the ending still being powerful and the characterisation is wild but real, characters in a Williams play on the most part are not meant to be likeable and nobody really is meant to be in 'The Night of the Iguana'.
Especially in the production values, like the superbly moody photography, there is a great deal of polish on display. Yet not too much polish at the expense of everything else. Personally did think there was flesh and blood here in the character writing and more of the play's full impact, especially when compared to other Williams film adaptations made in the 50s and 60s. The music has a slinkiness.
Summarising, very well crafted and a memorable night. 8/10
While the film adaptation of 'The Night of the Iguana' is not perfect, it's very well crafted and does very well adapting one of Williams' more difficult plays to adapt/film. Although the definitive film adaptation of any of Williams' work will always be to me 1951's 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'The Night of the Iguana' does compare favourably when talking about other Williams film adaptations. Generally though his work lends itself better to made for television or filmed productions, due to when done well having more freedom and not needing to tone anything down or suppress anything.
Starting with what doesn't quite work, will agree with those that felt that it did veer on too melodramatic, some of the early parts are on the overwrought side.
Also found Skip Ward a bit annoying and wooden.
On the other hand, the rest of the performances are fine. Loved Deborah Kerr's demure sincerity, if she did come over as subdued compared to a few other actors it is because some of the other characters have more meat and are wilder. Ava Gardner is sultry and bold as brass, while Richard Burton's intensity smolders. Oscar-nominated Grayson Hall brings her character to frightening life while post-'Lolita' Sue Lyon puts some of the qualities from that performances to here. Can't forget a beautifully understated Cyril Delavanti. Was a bit worried as to whether John Huston was the right director or not for the film, thinking that his directing approach would be too laconic and that another director like Elia Kazan would fit better. Was proven wrong, the crispness he brought matched beautifully.
Furthermore, Williams' dialogue simmers and sears and is intelligent, entertaining and poignant in equal measure. Didn't think either that 'The Night of the Iguana' was a case of a film adaptation of a Williams play being ahead of its time and controversial at the time but tame now, or one that toned down or suppressed themes, subplots and characteristics. It still feels quite daring and the steaminess is still intact. The story is melodramatic but still compelling, the ending still being powerful and the characterisation is wild but real, characters in a Williams play on the most part are not meant to be likeable and nobody really is meant to be in 'The Night of the Iguana'.
Especially in the production values, like the superbly moody photography, there is a great deal of polish on display. Yet not too much polish at the expense of everything else. Personally did think there was flesh and blood here in the character writing and more of the play's full impact, especially when compared to other Williams film adaptations made in the 50s and 60s. The music has a slinkiness.
Summarising, very well crafted and a memorable night. 8/10