The sad, inevitable decline of the miserable, grasping George is one of the most depressing things I've seen in some time. Laurence Olivier was absolutely fanastic in this role; definately one of his best, and the most memorable aspect of the film.
Well, why don't we call it "research" or something?
I totally agree. Olivier wasn't always wise as a screen actor. He was too theatrical, imo. Never managed technique for the film. But in this one he is truly brilliant. I was like: "What has happened to him?!" He did marvelous underplaying, which was rare for the time being.
shareTotally agree. I taped this 15 years ago and watched it over and over. I don't understand why it wasn't better appreciated in it's day at least by critics. I also loved Miriam Hopkins in this film. Her scene with Olivier when she takes control of everything is great. The body language says everything. I'm glad it's available on DVD, and hope it will find a new appreciative audience, despite it's depressing subject.
Excellent adaptation of the book considering the censorship rules of the day.
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i agree.I never liked Olivier much,but in this movie he is incredible.Truly magnificent performace,which goes to show once again how stupid the academy can be.
shareI like his performance and it's one of the few occassions in which you get to see an important male actor from that era to actually cry on a scene. Men were never supposed to cry on the screen, right? I think the other one I can think of was James Stewart in It's a wonderful life.
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Thanks vacanfreeman, I'm glad more people felt the same when they watched this movie. I absolutely loved it, but it's so sad I'm not sure I want to see it again so soon.
sharei agree. i think it's one of his best performances. i notice many people describe his style as "hammy," but i would love to show them Carrie and change their minds.
shareTo all who enjoyed this fine performance by Olivier, I highly recommend an English B&W film gem, THE ENTERTAINER (1960), dir. Tony Richardson. It's one of the rare occasions where a star's real life & "reel" life merge at just the right time and place to produce a miraculous film.
shareWatched this movie last night and totally agree with everyone.Olivier was magnificent.
shareYes, he was utterly superb.
I don't think I've ever seen Jennifer Jones be this effective, either. (I understand she's great in Love Letters, too, though I haven't seen it.) I know Oscars are all about timing, but certainly her performance in this is far greater than in The Song of Bernadette?
Yes, it's probably the best performance of his distinguished career.
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One of the most haunting performances I've ever seen.
http://troyholden.blogspot.com/2010/07/box-office-poison.html
Saw it for the second time and appreciate his performance even more on the second viewing.
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