Review of Bell, Book and Candle (1958) by Gareth R — 13 Jan 2008
A bizarre film, which features a witch (Kim Novak) casting a spell on her neighbour (James Stewart) which forces him to love her. It's not so sweet as he abandons his fiance for her, and this idea eerily resembles date rape.
Most of the characters are reprehensible, Jack Lemmon comes across like he's got severe learning difficulties, and the film simply fails to have fun with the premise of magic in the modern day. James Stewart looks confused the whole time, while the dreary Kim Novak makes a fairly dull, difficult-to-like heroine.
I'm still not sure why the ending is supposed to be a happy one. Quite amazingly boring from time to time and rather low on wonderment, comedy and genuine romance - again, it's mostly mind control, and by the end of the film he HATES her, which turns around pretty sharpish - this is a difficult film to recommend.
It bored me and it annoyed me.
This review of Bell, Book and Candle (1958) was written by Gareth R on 13 Jan 2008.
Bell, Book and Candle has generally received positive reviews.
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