Review of The Snake Pit (1948) by Steve S — 15 Jul 2009
***1/2 (out of four).
Not many films in the 1940's dealt this seriously with heavy subjects such as the mentally ill. "The Snake Pit" was one of the first and, I think, one of the best.
Olivia de Havilland is a newleywed who falls deeper and deeper into depression until she must be institutionalized. The conditions at the hospital hardly encourage her recovery.
Some of the moments seem overly dramatic and strange to us today. However, the film is actually very realistic as to the way the mentally ill were treated at the time. The best thing is the toweringly unglamourous performance from Ms. de Havilland. She evokes pity, strength, weakness, frustration, all at once.
This review of The Snake Pit (1948) was written by Steve S on 15 Jul 2009.
The Snake Pit has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
