Review of The Cardinal (1963) by Gerald D — 15 Feb 2011
This film was pretty much a complete and utter disappointment to me. Having read the novel, which being about the life and rise of a Catholic priest through the early 20th century, is not only fascinating but very well written, I came away just flattened by the very poor adaptation for the film.
The film is wholly episodic with narrative points that seemingly arise out of nowhere, disappear and then get resolved as quickly as they appear and disappear. There also seems to be an Americanization to the narrative, as if the filmmakers thought that if they didn't do this the film would fare poorly.
The casting of Tryon was rather flat and what the hell happened to John Huston? A major character in the novel, he disappears after the first hour of the film. Totally disappointed with this film. Completely.
This review of The Cardinal (1963) was written by Gerald D on 15 Feb 2011.
The Cardinal has generally received positive reviews.
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