Those who love this movie often point to this scene and the lingering close-ups of beautiful actors.
I love this scene for another reason. The film is based on Dreiser's An American Tragedy, and we do indeed get oppressive class structure, a pathetic marriage, a universe where human effort inevitably gets trumped by malevolent circumstance, punctuated by a scene wherein Raymond Burr demonstrates a murder by smashing an oar to bits inside a courtroom.
I love this particular scene for the musical theme, and incidentally for the lovers (Liz and Monty) caught up first in dance and then on the verandah, orchestra still within earshot.
The plans, the passion.
Despite the utter improbability of any social acceptance, they race at doom.
That moment motivates.
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For some reason Montgomery Clift never did float my boat, but Elizabeth Taylor's iconic face sizzles on the screen.
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeleteI always liked Clift as an actor. Always came across smart, even when the role called for not smart.
The 'beautiful actor' idea I've heard often, but don't see that myself. His looks are 'intense', and he seems 'sympathetic'.
Some actresses I might name are also thought to be 'knock-out beautiful', and I see that, sort of, but they don't necessarily 'do it' for me.
Liz. Yeah. She's got something.
Trulyfool