MovieChat Forums > Arch of Triumph (1948) Discussion > Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman

posted 12 years ago by nickrogers1969
3 replies | jump to latest

I like Ingrid Bergman and she's been wonderful in so many films but in "Arch of Triumph" she is miscast as Joan.

Her acting is uninspired. It's like she's thinking of something else and not really present or enjoying the role. She was too healthy-looking to play a world weary prostitute starved of food and love. She looks too pleasantly plump for the part. Not an ounce of decadence or mischief in her portrayal of someone who uses her looks to get by in a world of men!

Her hair-do, which may be 1938, is also unflatterring.

[–] Xcalat3 12 years ago

Her acting did seem uninspired and bored.

When there's no more room in hell, The dead will walk the earth...

[–] trupodur 9 years ago

Remarque used to second the motion: in his words, Bergman has "killed" Madou's character
Of course, it was an epic miscast!
Bergman is an exact opposite of Dietrich who was a prototype for Joan's character in the novel
Google says initially they wanted Dietrich to play herself and I have no idea why did they change their mind
Wouldn't be surprised if it was her decision dictated by premonition of the film's financial failure. Vamps are monetary sensitive:)
BTW "the other man" is miscasted as well: his prototype was Jean Gabin!

[–] nickrogers1969 9 years ago

So true that they were miscast. Ingrid was very famous at the time the film was made. She drew audiences to the cinemas. I think the producers thought that if they could get her for "Arch of Triumph" then they would have a sure hit.