Review of The Misfits (1961) by Sausages M — 17 Feb 2013

Beautiful, poetic, sad. You almost forget you're watching three Hollywood legends 'roughing it' as the outsiders of mainstream society, but somehow each of them brought a good chunk of themselves to their characters- spiritually 'fleshing them out'. Gable is all broken-down charm; Monroe innocent and intense; and Monty Clift seems to be sending up his own car crash misfortune in the way he plays a former pretty boy down on his luck after one too many blows to the head. Special mentions also for the electric Thelma Ritter and turbulent Eli Wallach in the supporting roles. He must have felt hard-done by given the fact he probably has more screen time than Monty but makes less of an impact because of his moody plainness.

It's odd, but I suppose this is one of those rare examples where actors 'play themselves' and it fits perfectly with the story.