Review of The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) by Jeff B — 02 Mar 2013

A wonderful look at the inside of Hollywood and one of the most progressive stories I've seen. I don't know how much of it is based on fact, but nevertheless, it's a great tale about a ruthless film producer named Jonathan Shields, played wonderfully by Kirk Douglas, and his ruthless interactions are told and seen through the eyes of a director, actress and screenwriter who all worked with him in the past, got screwed over by him and are being asked to work for him again. It reminded me of Citizen Kane in that way, where Shields actions are being told by the three.

The film starts with them being asked by a studio executive who worked with Shields asking them to work with him again and all three tell their respective stories. In the end of the film, after all their stories are told, they refused and listen in on a phone conversation the executive is on with Shields.

The performances are great, the story moves with grace, and the ending is respective. At first, you're thinking that they should give a guy another chance. However, after what you've seen Shields do to them, you would be mad if they said yes. The only thing that I had issue with is the format started to get a little tired towards the end. By the time it got to the screenwriter (the last person to tell his story) you're just waiting to see how Shields is going to screw him over. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable to see that progression in each story.

My first Vincente Minnelli film, I was very happy that I saw, and overall it is a very good film, I believe.