Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by Nadeem A — 20 Aug 2008

A hugely and sadly underestimated film by Welles using a similar cast to the one in 'Citizen Kane'.Based on Booth Tarkington's novel, it offers a timeless but ultimately tragic interlude into the idyllic world before the motor car .

Theuse of clever candescent lighting and errie shadow are pitched against the spartan black'n'white background to make this tale as alluring as it is memorable. Chopped down to a mere 88 minutes due to a fledgling performance at the Box Office the film still spins to the standard of a cinematic masterpiece.

What is 'popular' is by no means a ready recommendation; and what is underestimated by no means short of genuine artistic greatness - this film is a deliberate play on the evocative powers of a master director.

A grand statement on the decline of human values in the face of industrialization and the emergence of 'new money'. Watch and simply marvel.