Review of Baby Doll (1982) by Brian W — 06 Mar 2009

When I originally wrote this review, I was a bit harsh to the other people here who reviewed it. Although I still disagree with some...truly believing they don't quite "get it," they are still entitled to their opinions...I guess.

In the beginning, I understand...everything isn't spelled out in the beginning for you. You almost wonder if you've missed something. Especially in this day and age when an audience apparently needs to know everything from the start.

But then when Wallach's character shows up...investigating what happened to his Gin...everything starts to unfurl. But what is truly opening is Baby Doll.

Carroll Baker is so unbelievably vulnerable in this role. This is one of the best performances I have ever seen on film.

The scenes with Wallach and Baker are the most erotic, terrifying, original and best acted I have ever seen.

There is a clear metaphor (at least clear in my mind) that by playing "hide and seek" and having a man sleep in her crib, Baby Doll loses her virginity. Amazing. And the day before she is supposed to lose it (literally) to her husband.

This film is by no means tame...we just don't see "the act." But we see it on Baby Doll's face. The "agreement" is no longer necessary.

And...watching Malden and Wallach near the end of the film is also mesmerizing. As Malden attacks, Wallach simply waits...and waits...which leads to a wonderful showdown...as darkly comic as everything that precedes it. This is acting at its best. And Williams completely understood.

Unfortunately, the film must end. And it does in what I can only call a precursor to Lynch. A strange scene of characters show up to "arrest" Malden. Wallach runs away. Baby Doll reaches her birthday. And we can only wait for tomorrow.