Review of Daisy Kenyon (1947) by David C — 06 Jul 2016

95/100.

A strange, fascinating melodrama as much about post-WWII life as it is about affairs and love triangles. The dualities continue beyond its purposes and number of suitors, however- it throws itself wholeheartedly into both heightened and realistic sensibilities, and actually pulls that off, believe it or not. Kenyon establishes the resulting tone early and with aplomb by introducing itself with a romantic flourish of a musical score, then revealed to be a song playing on a radio and promptly switched off.

Kenyon, for the most part, maintains an ambiguity that constantly keeps one on their feet, so a bit of dissapointment results when the ending leaves things on a pretty wrapped-up note, especially coming right after a moment that feels like an ending suitable for the film's own tastes. Ah, well; this is one of those marvelous films that makes one wish for perfection.