Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by Dave J — 15 Apr 2014

OK, but disappointing. Produced, written and, most importantly, directed by Orson Welles. That alone would make you think that this can not fail to be great. Consider too that Welles' previous film was the astoundingly brilliant Citizen Kane and you would think that greatness is even more assured.

Yet, somehow, it fails to deliver. The Magnificent Ambersons is not bad, but its not great either.

Cinematographically, Welles is in top form. The usual shadows and light tricks and perfect camera angles are there.

No, it's not the cinematography, it's the plot, and the characters. The plot started off well enough. You got a sense early on that the movie was going to be a social commentary on change, on social mores and how wealth corrupts.

This is all there, but is secondary to a story that more resembles a soap opera. The social scheming by some characters was quite off-putting, and the conclusion was just a bit too neat and convenient.

Plus, there are many contrivances in the plot to make it feel entirely plausible. The comeuppance at the end doesn't make much sense. Neither does the relationship between Lucy and George.

Welles, who made a great social comment with Citizen Kane, could have made and equally important one here, but pulls his punches and misses the mark.