Review of A Place in the Sun (1951) by Nik B — 09 Mar 2010
The best place to start out this review is by stating that Montgomery Clift is simply not a good actor. To see the character get set up with his conflict and to see it carry itself out may havee been interesting with an actor who had any ability to portray any kind of emotion, but Gommy (that's my nickname for him) has no such talent. He's pretty, but it's easy to see why any of his career hopes get dashed once James Dean comes to town and as able not only to have the looks, but the classic coolness and vulnerability to draw compelling characters.
Anyway, Clift plays a kid from the poor streets who gets a job with his rich uncle and sees his way up through society life. He works hard and falls in love with Elizabeth Taylor, as anyone should. Only trouble is, he's already gotten the factory girl "in trouble".
Shelley Winters is effectively annoying as the worried & jealous girl who is clearly gonna get dumped by the ambitious asshole. She gets turned down on an abortion request (it's implied, not explicit, but that's what she was there for) and the starry-eyed kid starts thinking of ways to kill her. Just for the record, so do I.
No spoilers, but it takes the entire first hour just to get her knocked up. A complete bore that whole time. And then he deals with the rich girl and the poor girl and there's enough activity in the second half for a story, but again- marred by chalkboard readings from our mannequin star. It's different, but you should still pass this movie up and go straight for "Match Point". Far more satisfying.
This review of A Place in the Sun (1951) was written by Nik B on 09 Mar 2010.
A Place in the Sun has generally received very positive reviews.
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