Review of My Fair Lady (1964) by Matt H — 29 Jul 2013

Very strange but mostly interesting movie. Seriously though, WORST "romance" ever. Rex Harrison's character is either misogynistic or gay. I mean come one, basically his big declaration/epiphany at the end of the movie is that he's grown "used" to Eliza, and should (probably) marry her. It's funny that the secondary male lead who's crazy about Eliza is the better match for her (they're always weaker than the main male leads, except in this case). Rex Harrison's character Henry Higgins is a bastard, there's no getting around it. He treats Eliza like crap, both before her "transformation" and after.

Perhaps the movie is miscast - Rex Harrison needs a little likable charisma for a chance of seeing why Eliza would want to be with him (I know that's not supposed to be the character, but I'm talking about more charisma from the actor, not the character - if that makes any sense). Also, Audrey Hepburn is always a little cold in her own performances, she needs her own charisma boost (I might just be in the minority here; I've never been a big fan of hers). I could see a solid modern adaptation with, say, Russell Crowe and Audrey Tatou (or Carey Mulligan, or many other choices that would be better suited than the original cast).