Review of Make Way for Tomorrow (1937) by Matt G — 04 Dec 2011

If there was ever a movie I would want to remake, it would be this. What a brilliant concept, modest yet detailed characters, and patient and subtle direction. The narrative is so direct and simple. It's not hiding anything.

This is the story of an elderly couple married for 50 years who must live apart because the man's pension has run out and they can no longer afford their house. These things are established in the opening minutes, along with the relationship the parents have with their children.

The tone of each scene is so specific and contradictory and perfect. Such a complex blend of melancholy and lightheartedness. And yet, the actors always appear to be improvising (after watching the interview with Bogdanovich on the DVD, McCarey's method did indeed involve improv.

) The last 30 minutes were truly incredible filmmaking. These end scenes, at times, felt like Mike Leigh making Before Sunrise in the 1930s. I want to make a movie like this one day. It's so open to all of the meaning and complex emotions in life, when there's nothing you can do but enjoy the moments you have with someone.