Review of Reds (1981) by Nuno B — 03 Nov 2010
Its odd that at the time of the films release,Amercia was still in the grip of a cold war with Russia so it is to director and actor Beattys credit that he chose to take on the early history of American communism and the realationship between writer John Reid and Louise Bryant.
The film does take a bit of time to pick up as the early parts focus on Reeds and Bryants rocky realationship and how she beacame a proper writer rather than just Reeds doormat.
Beatty then gets the David Leans and stages the crisis in Russia in 1917 with an epic scope and sweep but doesnt suffers from later Leans long drawn out overkill.
Even in the epic parts the story still feels real and the central lve story is never swept away by the larger elements of the film.
Beatty has cast really well too ,Diane Keaton gives a powerful performance Jack Nicholson is great as Eugene O Neil but its Maureen Stapleton who really shines as one of Beattys comrades in arms ,She is funny and touching with out being mawkish and she steals every scne she is in.
Everything here works and the film really was one of the last true greta epics of the time and it also shows that behind the headlines Beatty could be a Hollywood great in acting and Directing ,superb stuff.
This review of Reds (1981) was written by Nuno B on 03 Nov 2010.
Reds has generally received very positive reviews.
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