Review of The Misfits (1961) by Mark Karl H — 31 Oct 2009
Marilyn Monroe's lead performance is far from being impressive, but to my surprise it has no negative impact on the film overall. Her performance is one note - all wistfully whispered dialogue and forced pauses; but she serves well as a vessel for the audience to meet the other characters vicariously through.
Clark Gable's final role is beautifully played, with visible undercurrents of pain in almost every scene. Eli Wallach is fantastic too, with Montgomery Clift turning in the kind of haunting interpretation that makes him a legend.
Miller's screenplay falls for very few conventional Hollywood traps, delivering instead a quiet rumination on lost souls and a yearning for a better time. John Huston's familiarity with the visual element of film is always evident, with expertly crafted scenes that remind us of the importance of pacing.
This review of The Misfits (1961) was written by Mark Karl H on 31 Oct 2009.
The Misfits has generally received positive reviews.
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