Review of From Here to Eternity (1953) by Alex W — 01 Jul 2014

They don't title movies like this anymore, although im not quite sure what the title means after seeing it. This movie was a little underwhelming, I had high hopes for it for some reason. I found Robert E lee Prewit (played by Montgomery Clift) character unrelatable and not that sympathetic.

There are many good reason in the film to feel for him but there just something for me and clifts performance that doesn't make me feel bad for him. I do however like Burt Lancaster and the ultra competent lothario is a great role for him.

I was a little let down by the famous beach make out scene, they only showed them kissing for half a second! Earnest Borgnine who is usually lovable in most films I have seen him in plays a very hateable abusive head of the stockade.

I found the two leading ladies very attractive as well (not always the case in some of these older films). The biggest surprised for performance however was Frank Sinatra whom I though was very impressive.

I always question when a singer tries to make a transition into acting but he proves in this film he has chops. I really missed him when he leaves about two thirds in. Ultimately this movies survives more on its characters then its story, but I wish it had both.