I just saw it for the first time at the Revival at the Charles Theater here in Baltimore MD USA. I've heard of it forever, but this was my first time seeing the whole thing. When I got home I gave it a 9. I don't think it's a 10. 1946 was three years before my birth - I have some consciousness of the zeitgeist at that time -- and some of the movie doesn't ring true for me.
From the time Peggy says, "I'm going to break up that marriage" through the ensuing conversation in the bedroom and the confrontation at Butch's between Al and the Dana Andrews character, that just felt "Hollywood" to me -- not the way people would act. Much of the movie had a contrived quality, it seems to me. Touching all the right bases instead of the great writing and flawless acting that comes with a 10.
After sleeping on it, I changed my 9 to an 8. I really really liked the movie. But it was no "It's a Wonderful Life," nor is it as good as "Casablanca" or "The Third Man," to name three that come to mind. To me, 8 is an excellent grade. Four out of 5 stars.
The strong scenes are really strong. People on this board have mentioned Mr Parrish putting Homer to bed -- that is screen magic, and you could have heard a pin drop last night during that scene, not to mention showing his arms to Wilma, which was transformative. This is a great film, a hugely important film, and I expect it will continue to be viewed that way for a very long time to come. Although I think IaWL is a better film, I agree that this deserved Best Picture.
--
GEORGE
And all's fair in love and war?
MRS. BAILEY
[primly] I don't know about war.
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Forlorn_Rage
8 years ago
From the time Peggy says, "I'm going to break up that marriage" through the ensuing conversation in the bedroom and the confrontation at Butch's between Al and the Dana Andrews character, that just felt "Hollywood" to me -- not the way people would act. Much of the movie had a contrived quality, it seems to me. Touching all the right bases instead of the great writing and flawless acting that comes with a 10.
Lol yeah, some of did feel melodramatic in a funny way. I did like the scene between Fred and Al though. Unlike that ridiculous scene where Fred and Homer threaten that man in the sodashop (God I hate that scene!), it showed that the men (Al anyway) could be sensible. I just wish the silly scenes at the bank and banquet where Al delivers that cringeworthy, drunk speech would've been cut out. -_-"
As for that scene with Homer and his dad, I much, much prefer the scene with March and Loy. She brings him breakfast on his first morning back, it feels anything but "contrived" or "Hollywood." It flowed very naturally, showed they were a little out of step with each other's movements, but that the love for each other was still very much there.
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