MovieChat Forums > The Man with the Golden Arm (1956) Discussion > Kim's performance was flawless!

Kim's performance was flawless!

posted 14 years ago by Funky12345
7 replies | jump to latest

Hi all,

I have to admit, I haven't always been impressed by Kim's acting skills (go ahead, throw a rock at me), but I thought she was so good in this movie. She was perfectly cast. I can see what Frankie saw in Molly; she was everything Zosch wasn't - she was understanding, encouraging and supportive (especially when it came to his drumming career) and yet she was tough on him when she needed to be. You could tell that Molly, for as young as she was, had seen a lot in her life just with knowing Frankie, and her soul was tired and frustrated. Also Frank and Kim had excellent chemistry. The whole cast was amazing. I think this performance of Kim's was even better than her "Vertigo" performance.

"Never do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow" - Charlie Allnut

[–] JohnnyWeissmuller 14 years ago

I certainly think that Novak was as good here as she was in Vertigo - I completely see what Machine saw in her, and why... They worked so well together (Sinatra/Novak), and it was nice to see them follow up in Pal Joey but here, the contrast between Zosh and Molly was pivotal to the film and to Frankie's frustrations. Great film, terrific performances.

NOW TARZAN MAKE WAR!

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

Kim Novak was and is astonishingly beautiful and tremendously talented. Frankly, I think she gave a much better performance here than Eleanor Parker did as Zosch. Nice to see Frank get his just rewards.

[–] fiftyfootqueenie 9 years ago

Agreed. The more I see of Novak's work, the more I think she's some sort of genius. A true artist. She were sold as a deep-frozen blonde, yet she exudes so much *warmth* and compassion, so many still waters - and not just in Golden Arm. She shows how a person can simultaneously be nurturing and exude sex (qualities that always seem to be put in opposition in films, especially in women). She could never have cut it as a heartless femme fatale, too much heart.

[–] michaeljcummings 8 years ago

and incredibly young for such depth. 22 in MWTGA.

[–] filmtenk 8 years ago

She was so incredibly sexy in this movie

[–] DorianGray502 8 years ago

___I disagree. I thought Novak had moments, but her overall performance was flat and very forced. But, Novak was never considered a great actress. Her performance is especially weak during Mashines withdrawal. And, I found her pretty, but like in 'The Middle Of The Night', she is only that, pretty, not beautiful. And, she is annoying in both films.

[–] sduraybito (5) 6 years ago

She seemed bra-less in several scenes which is unheard for a 1950s movie. Astonishing beauty and very hot.