Review of Lolita (1962) by John E — 24 Jun 2009

While this movie does an admirable and shocking (for its time) job of insinuating and hinting at the sexual depravities and quirks of ALL its major characters (an important theme), it remains a little too subdued, at times leaving too much to the viewer's imagination.

The direction, as is to be expected from Kubrick, is solid but not entirely noteworthy except in a few scenes. The performances from the three leads (Mason, Winters, Sellers) are strong with Mason suffering from not being able to emote as much frustrated sexuality due to the censorship of the time.

Sellers' expanded characterization of Quilty didn't distract from Humbert as some complained. Again, because of the censorship, only so much could be focused on the intensity of Humbert's longing, so Quilty's use as comic relief is understandable.

Sellers' improvisational abilities are disturbing in their efficacy and power; he dominates any scene he's in. A very dark comedy where no character is viewed in a sympathetic light; the whole film takes a humanistic and neutral approach to the telling of its story.