MovieChat Forums > Désirée (1955) Discussion > Great Movie!

Great Movie!

posted 19 years ago by jgtbl96
12 replies | jump to latest

I came across this movie among my collection of old movies and think this is a great movie based on the original book. I think Marlon Brando did a fantastic job play Napoleon; he made Napoleon so very alive! Jean Simmons is wonderful and adorable playing Desiree, you definitely know why the two most important men in Desiree’s live fell madly in love with her in the first place. This movie is a must watch classic!

(Jean Simmons in this movie reminded me of Audrey Hepburn in "War and Peace"-also an amazing movie and a must watch)

[–] kaaveh_ahangar_iran 18 years ago

Actually I read the book Desiree and I fell in love with the story. I haven't had the chance yet to see this movie but I hope Hollywood would make a new movie about the book Desiree.

It is indeed among of the greatest novels that I've ever read in my life.

On every street in every city, there's a nobody who dreams of being a somebody.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] 18 years ago

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[–] kbrai 17 years ago

the film was a good hollywood costume drama, brando was very good...this was the first movie i saw of brando, i was 9 and dint know who brando was...i thought since the movie is called Desire' the name of the actress is Marlon brando and was promplty told by my older cousin that brando was Napolean...and i was wow...coz i was so fascinated by his act...i couldnt take my eyes of him...a 9 year old, who dint know much about method or anything, just reacted to something novel which he had never seen...brando

"Im just a bum sitting in a motor home on a film set, BRANDO said, and they come looking for ZEUS".

[–] pizza_cheese 18 years ago

Yes, Jean did indeed remind me of Audrey. Particularly her voice.

When I 1st watched the movie 6 years ago, I thought Marlon must be small (5'5 or something). Little did I know that he's 5'10!

[–] magenta1000 16 years ago

Ya, I think they just surrounded him with a bunch of really tall people to make him look short. Lol.

Earlier this evening, I was in the hall. I know because I was there.--Clue

[–] edjavega 15 years ago

Yes, Jean Simmons reminded me of Audrey Hepburn too. Interesting that the 1956 version of "War and Peace" was brought up, as that story featured Napoleon too.

The final scene where Desiree convinces Napoleon to surrender for the good of France was very well-written and acted. Very touching indeed.

And Brando was simply superb as Napoleon in this movie. Too bad not many people remember him for this role, but he is one of the best Napoleons on film ever. He played him like a real historical character, not a caricature.

[–] Havele 15 years ago

Well, I love Brando and I've been a huge fan of him for more than twenty years. I've seen and admired quite all his movies. And the only thing I can say is that he is NOT good in this film... Probably it is not his fault, it's just the whole thing which is dull and shallow, despite all colours and costumes and this funny little brigde I laughed quite a lot at. That's just Hollywood and American wy of seeing our history (I am French and Parisian) I've seen on the same day Desiree and Conquest (from 1937 starring Greta Garbo)and I must tell that Charles Boyer's performance is just breath taking. I can but warmly recommend this exceptionnal movie, even if it is in black and white. When compared to Conquest, Desiree seems to be just a silly and sugary joke.

[–] buraktheauthor 15 years ago

I think Marlon Drando depicted a good Napoleon portrait at this movie. It'a a shame that Brando didn't portrait Napoleon at a biggest production later.

[–] Sunflower007 15 years ago

~ I thought that Jean Simmons & Marlon Brando did a wonderful performance. I love this movie. See it yesterday. Marlon Brando was to tall for the role of Napoleon.

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"So the lion fell in
love with the lamb.
What a stupid lamb.
What a sick, masochistic lion."

Edward Cullen & Bella Swan from Twilight

[–] leavingtheclubat5 12 years ago

i agree, i thought the movie was pretty good, i found brandos portrayal of napoleon pretty interesting, he contributed some nice things to the part imo.

[–] kidjay83 11 years ago

Great movie for sure and great performance by brando even though according to carlo fiore .Brando admitted too basically phoning it in on this performance this is what i admire about marlon.Even when he wasnt trying all that hard he could not good a bad performance.If any other actor phoned this one in it would clearly show and it would hurt the acors career.

Therefore we may call that art true at which does not seem to be art."