Review of The Barefoot Contessa (1954) by Michael L — 02 Nov 2010

Rags-to-riches tale, telling the story of the life and death of an actress from four viewpoints. Innovative in its day for this well handled use of mosaic storytelling, it also drew droves of people to the cinema because it was (and still is) said the lead character was based on Rita Hayworth and her brief marriage to Prince Aga Khan. Furthermore the character's relationship with billionaire movie producer Kirk resembles Ava Gardner's own with billionaire movie producer (yeah, way to be subtle) Howard Hughes.

Viewed today, without the naughty excitement of seeing celebrities exposed, and being more than used to the mosaic storytelling technique (Seriously, up and coming directors of the world, Tarantino did it to perfection with Pulp Fiction, and a lousy imitation does not an homage make) Contessa isn't much more than a well acted, well directed, but ultimately forgettable melodrama.