Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by A R — 01 Aug 2007

This could have been brilliant, but per usual the studio came in and cut it all to pieces. As a result, I found myself disappointed, but also saddened. Like Citizen Kane, it's a criticism of the American Dream, but it's told through the eyes of a crumbling family lineage within a small town.

Admittedly, I love this kind of stuff, so the plot pulled me in right away. The acting is stagey in places, but generally compelling. Much attention is paid to the period aspects, the costuming and architecture.

Welles knew how to create a rich and all-encompassing reality. Some brilliant shots and compositions. What ruins everything is the scatter-shot editing that cuts into the overall rhythm of the film. If the footage could be uncovered, I'd love to see this film restored in the manner of Touch of Evil.

It certainly has tons of potential. One last note: The introduction used in Royal Tenenbaums is based on the opening of this film. Anderson is not quite the astute thinker Welles is, but he certainly knows where to go for the best ideas.