Pure poetry...
Added 11/23/2009
While `Citizen Kane' is a masterful film to say the least, and one that I will always admire, respect and laud; `The Magnificent Ambersons' is, without question, Orson Welles's masterpiece. A film that is the epitome of poetry in motion, `The Magnificent Ambersons' can certainly steal descriptions from its very name, for it is `magnificent'. The fact that the studio could go in without the director's consent, completely butcher his film (taking out roughly forty minutes or so of footage), change the ending and strip away the films `heart' as Welles would put it, and yet still leave us with such a brilliant picture is outstanding.
I am saddened that I will never see the film Welles intended me to see, but I cannot fathom how this could be much better than it already is.
Despite the short running time, the film never lacks in character development, which is a true testament to the script, the acting and Welles impressive grasp of direction. The film is beautifully fluid, allowing each scene to simply float into the next, giving us a relaxed composition that aids in our attentiveness and willingness to get to know each character. I loved Welles's narration, which really helped tie up lose ends, and I felt that the films overall construction is really to be desired. It just fits, each piece, perfectly together.
The story told is that of a wealthy and well known family living in Indiana during the late 19th century. The film chronicles the fall of the Amberson household at the hands of the young, selfish and rather spoiled George. The film shows how his actions pay a heavy toll of his family, most notably his mother Isabel, ruining her shot at a second love with the wealthy inventor Eugene. His Aunt Fanny is also affected by his manipulative interferences, not to mention Lucy, the girl who is tangled up in his heart (and he in hers).
The film is littered with wonderful performances, but for me it is two names that really outshine the rest. Joseph Cotton is outstanding as Eugene, really developing his disappointment and disapproval without appearing clichéd or predictable. He delivers a superb and memorable performance that is so close to `best in show' it's not even funny. Those honors though, go to the brilliant Agnes Moorehead, who delivers one of the greatest supporting performances of all time. She just commands every scene, and her teary emotional explosion in the boiler room is just unforgettable.
This is a hard one to find, but if you find it HOLD ONTO IT! TCM plays it occasionally (if you can DVR it, protect it!) and I think you can find it youtube, so you can at least see it (in parts). It is a film that I deeply respect, adore and highly recommend.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The Magnificence of Orson Welles
Added 9/15/2009
I cannot say anything more about, "The Magnificent Ambersons," that has not already been said.
My wondermnet lies in one area regarding this film. Why hasn't it been released in DVD format for Region 1 ?? Does anyone know if it will be ??
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Petition to get this on DVD
Added 9/1/2009
Yes, it's a crime that this film isn't on DVD in a deluxe edition. So write to Turner Classic Movies and to the Criterion Collection, and ask them to get working on it. Lobbying works. (See the new edition of ENCHANTED APRIL -- just out on DVD by popular demand.)
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
|
This is not a love story. It is a life story.
Added 8/12/2009
There is nobody like Orson Welles. The man can even end a film with this looming microphone swinging in the distance, and it seems more like art than what is released today. My favorite director/actor, Welles proved once and again that what lurks in the shadows are men, and their spirits are more sinister than anything a horror film could produce. Being an avid fan of Citizen Kane, I wanted to experience more - and that is where The Magnificent Ambersons comes into play. Surprisingly, I didn't even know anything about the drama behind this film. I wasn't privy to the knowledge that the studio burned most of Welles' 113 minute long cut, and instead kept with this 88-minute version ... which ... in my eyes ... is still a powerful film. I didn't know he didn't have much say over the final results, and instead, was left with a choppy, studio-driven version that left a soured note in his eye. Oh, the drama. Yet, here it is - found on VHS for now, this was a powerful film about the turn of the century, the introduction to modern technology, and the depression of the status quo. Oddly, created in 1942, this film seems more relevant today - with the current economic distress - and making the overall experience a powerful Welles outing.
I would first like to say that any film that focuses on a central character getting his "come-uppances", is already going to receive high marks. Secondly, narration by Welles himself - guess I asked for a second scoop of cinematic pleasure. The only downside was that Welles should have played the role of George. I completely understand that he didn't want another Kane looming in the distance, but he obviously pulled a Woody Allen trick, where he wasn't the lead role, but had the actor take his mannerisms. Ergo, he was in the film. With that small element aside, the narration did add a rather strong voice to this film. Giving us an everyman's town, a place not unlike where we all live now, with the wealthy experiencing the same issues many of us see daily. That is what pulled my strings the most with The Magnificent Ambersons was Welles' ability to pull such an ordinary event into the view of this wealthy family. We see these things happen all the time with average couples in film, so it was a distinction to see it happen to the wealthy Ambersons. This story is simple, and I am eager to read Booth Tarkington's version as well, just to see what Welles left out. I want to get to know these characters more - and the book should bring that to me.
To end, I loved this film for more than just the actors and the narration. I loved the introduction of the automobile into the story. I loved how the ending (albeit choppy) pulled in more than just a dramatic closure, it spoke to audience about fears, modern advances, and the uncertainty of life. It transformed this film about the turn of the century into a film that could be watched today - nearly 67 years later - and find current relevances. It is more than just a story about a family. This is a story about the future, about depression, about love, and about children. It is about small town America - it is about the changing world - it is about Welles' deep dark soul. This isn't a happy film. In fact, it is rather full of gloom and doom, but it is 100% Welles (or at least the parts not taken out). I loved the cinematography, the looming dark scenes coupled with Welles shadow angles. It was brilliant - from beginning to end, this is not the film you expect when you sit down. This isn't a love story. This is a life story.
Grade: ***** out of *****
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Good despite the cuts
Added 7/23/2009
The Bottom Line:
The Magnificent Ambersons is known more for what it represented in Orson Welles's film career than as a film itself, but if you get a chance you should check out this well-made slice of family drama that admittedly gets murky towards the end (where the studio's fingerprints are all over it) but is a fine companion piece to Citizen Kane even if it's not the complete version.
3.5/4
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Pure poetry...
Added 11/23/2009
While `Citizen Kane' is a masterful film to say the least, and one that I will always admire, respect and laud; `The Magnificent Ambersons' is, without question, Orson Welles's masterpiece. A film that is the epitome of poetry in motion, `The Magnificent Ambersons' can certainly steal descriptions from its very name, for it is `magnificent'. The fact that the studio could go in without the director's consent, completely butcher his film (taking out roughly forty minutes or so of footage), change the ending and strip away the films `heart' as Welles would put it, and yet still leave us with such a brilliant picture is outstanding.
I am saddened that I will never see the film Welles intended me to see, but I cannot fathom how this could be much better than it already is.
Despite the short running time, the film never lacks in character development, which is a true testament to the script, the acting and Welles impressive grasp of direction. The film is beautifully fluid, allowing each scene to simply float into the next, giving us a relaxed composition that aids in our attentiveness and willingness to get to know each character. I loved Welles's narration, which really helped tie up lose ends, and I felt that the films overall construction is really to be desired. It just fits, each piece, perfectly together.
The story told is that of a wealthy and well known family living in Indiana during the late 19th century. The film chronicles the fall of the Amberson household at the hands of the young, selfish and rather spoiled George. The film shows how his actions pay a heavy toll of his family, most notably his mother Isabel, ruining her shot at a second love with the wealthy inventor Eugene. His Aunt Fanny is also affected by his manipulative interferences, not to mention Lucy, the girl who is tangled up in his heart (and he in hers).
The film is littered with wonderful performances, but for me it is two names that really outshine the rest. Joseph Cotton is outstanding as Eugene, really developing his disappointment and disapproval without appearing clichéd or predictable. He delivers a superb and memorable performance that is so close to `best in show' it's not even funny. Those honors though, go to the brilliant Agnes Moorehead, who delivers one of the greatest supporting performances of all time. She just commands every scene, and her teary emotional explosion in the boiler room is just unforgettable.
This is a hard one to find, but if you find it HOLD ONTO IT! TCM plays it occasionally (if you can DVR it, protect it!) and I think you can find it youtube, so you can at least see it (in parts). It is a film that I deeply respect, adore and highly recommend.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The Magnificence of Orson Welles
Added 9/15/2009
I cannot say anything more about, "The Magnificent Ambersons," that has not already been said.
My wondermnet lies in one area regarding this film. Why hasn't it been released in DVD format for Region 1 ?? Does anyone know if it will be ??
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Petition to get this on DVD
Added 9/1/2009
Yes, it's a crime that this film isn't on DVD in a deluxe edition. So write to Turner Classic Movies and to the Criterion Collection, and ask them to get working on it. Lobbying works. (See the new edition of ENCHANTED APRIL -- just out on DVD by popular demand.)
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
|
