Review of The Servant (1963) by Jenna I — 15 Apr 2016

Boy, I don't think I liked this at all- which was so disappointing to me since I love Pinter, Losey and all of the actors involved. Though I think it's failures are really due mostly to the direction, I thought the momentum of this movie dropped terribly with the introduction of the 'sister,' and once that initial storyline dissolved you felt like leaving the film, but wait, there's an hour more! I was also shocked at how little Pinter's voice came through with this, it actually could have really benefitted from incorporating more of his style.

I had a hard time sympathizing with Fox's character who seemed to be creating all of the problems for himself for no real reason other than laziness. I didn't buy his transition to from upstart rich house buyer to such co-dependence on somebody who had already wronged him. The fiancee giving up so easily didn't sit well with me either. Ah, all in all this just didn't do it for me.

I will say this movie was beautifully shot though, it had some wonderfully framed scenes and interesting angles which at least keeps it visually watchable.