Review of The Beguiled (1971) by David F — 27 Aug 2017

Bizarre change of pace for Clint Eastwood and director Don Seigel, and an interesting companion piece to 'Play Misty For Me' filmed the same year. Set during the Civil War, Eastwood plays a badly wounded Union soldier taken under the seemingly protective wing of a girls school in the deep south, headed by Page.

Restored to health, his presence has a disruptive effect on the young women, unleashing repressive sexuality, jealousy and murderous rage. Eastwood's lines sound a little too florid at times, particularly as we've become used to Clint's more laconic style, and his character is far from sympathetic, leaving the viewer a little off-balance.

Story resembles Flannery O'Connor with overtones of Greek tragedy - could be taken as an indictment on the burgeoning women's movement when viewed in tandem with 'Misty' - another story about vengeful, sexually charged females.

Strange, hallucinatory sexual fantasies involving lesbianism, group sex and incest strain for psycho-pop artiness. Unnecessary use of voice-over inner monologues are unfortunate.