MovieChat Forums > The Talk of the Town (1942) Discussion > Cary Grant underacting: brilliant.

Cary Grant underacting: brilliant.

posted 12 years ago by adarkerlight
4 replies | jump to latest

This is the first Grant film I've seen where he underperforms. His face isn't contorted, he isn't smiling and jumpy and happy nor is he talking loudly and exquisitely. The beginning of this film was so remarkable, I almost wanted it to continue in that vein: a dark, film noiresque thriller, rain, shadows, Cary Grant with a relaxed, but almost frightening face.

Fortunately, the film eases into its comedic niche quite smoothly, something I think George Stevens did well. But Cary's acting for the rest of the film was, I thought, wonderful, if only because, perhaps, he wasn't acting at all. I couldn't help but think that maybe this was the closest Cary got to being himself. Or at least a darker version of himself. It really made the film that much more enjoyable for me.

Godverdomme! Wij zullen varen, al betekent het mijn dood!

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] onegreendress 12 years ago

I agree that Grant is quite fine in this. I enjoy watching him--and don't really care that he basically played the same character in all of his films. Some people were just stars on the screen--didn't mean they had to be superior actors.

[–] meteor_storm 11 years ago

"he basically played the same character in all of his films"

When he was younger, definitely. For some reason, I picture North by Northwest and Charade Cary Grant to be almost a completely different person.

btw, if you get this, what does your name mean, onegreendress? Is it related to anything specific?

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[–] JackBluegrass 11 years ago

Cary Grant did seem to be underplaying Cary Grant here. It was as if he gave the spotlight to Coleman and Arthur.

But, one of Grant's inborn abilities is to "act surprised", which he does even here early on in the film. That bulging eyes thing of his is kind of a trademark.