1947's 'Body and Soul' had a lot going for it. Had heard nothing but good things about it from trusted fellow reviewers. The cast is an immensely talented one. Have seen some of Robert Rossen's films and have liked them generally, with 'The Hustler' being a masterpiece. When done well, morality tales can be very touching and inspirational. There have been many great character study films. While boxing is not my favourite sport, it has been portrayed very powerfully on film many times.
'Body and Soul' is a near masterpiece in my view. A fine example of how to do morality tales and character studies, and a high point of John Garfield, Lilli Palmer and Rossen's careers. 'Raging Bull' still gets my vote as the best film about boxing, but 'Body and Soul' is right up there as one of the best and is much more than just a boxing film. A fine example of how to do a film centered around sports or people in a sport profession and their lives and do so with soul.
Admittedly the story is quite typical and where it's all going to go is not in doubt.
That however was not a massive issue though, because everything else in 'Body and Soul' is so well done and often exceptionally. Garfield was never better than he was here, here he gives a superb performance full of intensity and heart-wrenching soul. His character is also fascinating and complex, a flawed one with uncertain ethics that is also easy to root for. Palmer is also stunning and poignant in her role, one of her best and there is a lot of heart in her chemistry with Garfield. Anne Revere, Lloyd Goff and William Conrad are without fault and neither is Rossen's taut yet sympathetic direction that was only bettered perhaps in 'The Hustler'.
It is an extremely well made film, with deservedly Oscar-winning editing and even better the ground-breaking in the ring cinematography, the use of hand held camera (on roller skates might this reviewer add!) masterly and one of the few times where that camera technique was properly successfully done. The boxing sequences are sensationally choreographed and there is not one ounce of holding back, the cinematography being a major reason as to why the scenes come off so well.
Furthermore, the script is thought probing and emotionally charged, while not sounding rambling or laying on the morality too thick. As well as unyielding in what it says about corruption and the presence of violence, which is actually what the film is more about. The story may be typical but more than makes up for it with the tight pacing and the depth of the storytelling, there is real heart and soul that is intense, moving and inspiring. The music fits very well and makes clever use of the title song that repeats throughout the film in some shape or form without feeling too repetitive.
Concluding, truly wonderful. 9/10.
'Body and Soul' is a near masterpiece in my view. A fine example of how to do morality tales and character studies, and a high point of John Garfield, Lilli Palmer and Rossen's careers. 'Raging Bull' still gets my vote as the best film about boxing, but 'Body and Soul' is right up there as one of the best and is much more than just a boxing film. A fine example of how to do a film centered around sports or people in a sport profession and their lives and do so with soul.
Admittedly the story is quite typical and where it's all going to go is not in doubt.
That however was not a massive issue though, because everything else in 'Body and Soul' is so well done and often exceptionally. Garfield was never better than he was here, here he gives a superb performance full of intensity and heart-wrenching soul. His character is also fascinating and complex, a flawed one with uncertain ethics that is also easy to root for. Palmer is also stunning and poignant in her role, one of her best and there is a lot of heart in her chemistry with Garfield. Anne Revere, Lloyd Goff and William Conrad are without fault and neither is Rossen's taut yet sympathetic direction that was only bettered perhaps in 'The Hustler'.
It is an extremely well made film, with deservedly Oscar-winning editing and even better the ground-breaking in the ring cinematography, the use of hand held camera (on roller skates might this reviewer add!) masterly and one of the few times where that camera technique was properly successfully done. The boxing sequences are sensationally choreographed and there is not one ounce of holding back, the cinematography being a major reason as to why the scenes come off so well.
Furthermore, the script is thought probing and emotionally charged, while not sounding rambling or laying on the morality too thick. As well as unyielding in what it says about corruption and the presence of violence, which is actually what the film is more about. The story may be typical but more than makes up for it with the tight pacing and the depth of the storytelling, there is real heart and soul that is intense, moving and inspiring. The music fits very well and makes clever use of the title song that repeats throughout the film in some shape or form without feeling too repetitive.
Concluding, truly wonderful. 9/10.