Review of Imitation of Life (1959) by Repping H — 13 Nov 2003

"how do you explain to your child that you were born to be hurt?".

I don't think I've seen a "racism is bad" picture quite like this one. instead of showing a minority character constantly being shat on by a cruel and prejudiced outside world (which can get tiring, like in Life Of Oharu, but I suppose that's a "classism is bad" picture), it focuses on the self-hate that said culture helps foster with in that person. it's my assumption that this is a very personal picture. made by Douglas Sirk (and acted in by a guy who looks and acts [i]a lot[/i] like Rock Hudson, yet isn't somehow. and since he isn't I'm not certain it's really all that relevant. but [i]had[/i] it been Rock Hudson, well, boy howdy!) who most likely wasn't a stranger to the feelings of pain and shame over being different from the accepted norm.

And then there's the bit about no one being truly satisfied by material and superficial successes. that people need affection, not pretty dresses. that's good too. as is my unintentional rhyming.

On rethink, I'm sure I've seen a movie that dealt with this subject in this way, but none were nearly as affecting as this one. bear in mind, I say that without really giving it enough thought to know for sure if there is something that just happens to be slipping from memory at the moment.

Okay, The Believer, for one. but it isn't as good.

Douglas Sirk.

[i]1. Imitation Of Life[/i].

2. All That Heaven Allows.

3. Written On The Wind.