Review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) by Bruno S — 06 Nov 2010
Has there ever been a director who can do epics as well as David Lean could? The mans resume is otherworldly and it shows in his work. This film is no exception. The staging of this production had to be a monumental task, from the scenes with hundreds of extras to the blowing up of the bridge.
Two things particularly stand out. The cinematography of the film is awesome and obviously made with Cinemascope in mind. The picture is just beautiful. The second thing is the sound of the film. The choice to go dietetic with everything, not add melodramatic score throughout the film adds so much weight and tension and gives a reality to the film that may have not otherwise been able to have been achieved.
And of course using the whistling by the British, iconic! The story is a remarkable one and the story of the two blacklisted screenwriters even more so. The performance by Guinness is good as always and does anyone define the American male post war like William Holden? One final thing this film does is capture so much Britishness.
There is a unique quality of propriety to the Brits that is not found on others ad this film has that essence.
This review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) was written by Bruno S on 06 Nov 2010.
The Bridge on the River Kwai has generally received very positive reviews.
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