Review of Suddenly Last Summer (2012) by Greg D — 31 May 2008

The year is 1937.

The procedure is a lobotomy.

The party responsible for requesting the procedure, dear Aunt Violet.

Why would Aunt Violet want to convince this young doctor to perform such an experimental procedure on me?

I'm not crazy.

Am I?

Perhaps a little traumatized, I mean, after what our family has been through...

Surely, that is no reason to cut out a piece of my brain. I can be calm. I can be docile. I don't have to talk. I won't talk.

Suddenly, Last Summer is a disturbing and haunting drama about a wealthy matriarch and her desire to honor the memory and protect the reputation of her recently deceased son, even if it means taking a knife to her niece's brain.

Suddenly, Last Summer is an adaptation of a Tennessee Williams play. This is a film that showcases the genius of the stars utilized to bring this play to the big screen. Katharine Hepburn sets the tone early for this unsettling film with a masterfully delivered monologue. Hepburn was nominated for an Oscar, Golden Globe and a Laurel Award. With little more then a bizarre set to assist her she sets the dark tone for the entire film and begins to get under your skin with the way she delivers her lines. Her character is a powerful woman and appears to be quite comfortable with using her money to control those she comes in contact with. Katharine Hepburn's depiction of this character which exemplifies the corrupting power of wealth is certainly worthy of the three nominations she received.

Without film to preserve the images of yesteryear one might forget the beauty of youth as it pertains to some of Hollywood's sexiest stars. In Suddenly, Last Summer Elizabeth Taylor's sex appeal is showcased and preserved for all to see. It is no wonder that Elizabeth Taylor was considered both a consummate actress and a world class beauty. Suddenly, Last Summer is a great example of both. Elizabeth Taylor was certainly deserving of the Oscar nomination she received for her role in Suddenly, Last Summer and the Golden Globe and Laurel Award she won. She portrays Catherine Holly, Aunt Violet's young niece, institutionalized for her obscene rantings and alleged sexual aggression.

The chills continue as a talented young doctor played by Montgomery Clift attempts to peal back the layers of family drama and mystery in hopes of determining the level of Catherine Holly's sanity and whether or not she should receive a lobotomy.

This story originally created by Tennessee Williams and adapted to the screen by Gore Vidal continues to produce a haunting atmosphere and strong moments of chilling drama.