Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by Brian M — 02 Jun 2010
Had Robert Wise, under instructions from RKO, not edited this film "with a lawnmower" as Welles put it, "The Magnificent Ambersons" would surely have been the greatest film of all time, surpassing Welles's own Citizen Kane.
What remains is the hollow shell of a brilliant movie, with only moments of Welles's original intentions. Many regard this movie as still a remarkably strong film, which it may be - but so painful is it to watch knowing the film's history that it always brings tears to my eyes.
Naturally, the direction is impeccable, the acting superb (even from Tim Holt!), the score unforgettable and the cinematography some of cinema's best of all time.
This review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) was written by Brian M on 02 Jun 2010.
The Magnificent Ambersons has generally received very positive reviews.
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