Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Marianne M — 05 Dec 2008

Quite a dark and cynical movie for the decade in which it was produced; honest, compelling, and engaging, drawing the viewer into this well-told story and each little niche surrounding each of the three military men with heartbreaking and touching hold. Every story was relatable on some level, contemplating the frustrations, tensions, and awkwardness of coming home to something as unfamiliar as the foreign countries in which the servicemen originally fought but also focusing on the comfort and support of family and its unconditional love and its effects on survival and coping. The performances by this ensemble were all so good and so honest, but the most impressive belonged to Harold Russell. His performance is one of the best and most sympathetic performances and characterizations of the physically disabled in film - it's sensitive and touching and heartbreaking.

The direction by William Wyler and the camera work were also good. Apparently, the cinematographer here also worked on Citizen Kane, and elements of that style can be detected in this film. "Deep focus" and expert use of perspectives added to that gripping quality of viewing the film, serving to really connect the viewer with each character's facial expressions and, therefore, thought processes and viewpoints. There was also rather ingenious use of mirrors or reflective surfaces at various points of the film symbolically exploring each man's individual experiences of reflection.

The pacing of this emotional journey, however, was incredibly slow. The film clocks in at nearly three hours, and there are points at which this running time is felt. There were also some minor but curious continuity issues (for example, Al's son, who appeared in the first scenes, disappeared quickly and never reentered the picture, for no apparent reason). The film itself is unique and a great time capsule piece for the period, though, and a highly recommended watch.