Review of Magnificent Obsession (1935) by Jeff B — 03 Apr 2011

Well, this certainly is a sappy romance from the 50s, but it's also certainly well told and delivered. Even though this is only the second Sirk film I've seen (I saw Written on the Wind a couple years ago), it's tough for a director to make such a name for himself with only a couple movies. I mean, Sirk's films sort of define a 50s genre of films. There aren't many directors who can have their name be a film genre.

Anyway, onto the film, I really enjoyed it even if it was over the top with love and, well, 50s. Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman were great together, I particularly loved their time in France. But again, as I've mentioned, this is sappy and over the top, but it really wouldn't have worked if it was any less. It's got a wonderful scenery and nice score as well. I wouldn't call this a masterpiece, but it's a very nice film.