Review of Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) by Jordan T — 12 Dec 2008
The things that Ophuls does with his camera prove he can do no wrong. In fact, one could learn a great deal about sweeping camera shots, the use of close-ups, mise-en-scene, lighting, and a host of other technical skills from Ophuls, a true virtuoso.
This film is not as mature a work -- nor as sophisticated cinematographically -- as Le Plaisir or Madame de..., but it's a stroke of genius from beginning to end with perhaps one of the most powerful voiceovers by Fontaine in all 1940s and 50s cinema.
Ophuls also sets the stage for the ballroom scene in Madame de... here, as the musicians leave and the lights are extinguished. Although that later film is more nuanced stylistically, the narrative here in Letter.
.. (coupled with Ophuls's amazing directorial and cinematographic skills) really makes this a film for which words can hardly do justice.
This review of Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) was written by Jordan T on 12 Dec 2008.
Letter from an Unknown Woman has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
