Also, a word of praise for its followup on my schedule: Moby Dick.
I recall this being panned by critics when first released in 1956 or so. Except they liked the part played by Orson Welles. Still it's looking better and better. and Peck shines in a fine cast. A John Huaston success that raises some deep questions. One does not expect the novel on the screen, but there's plenty here in this tale of obsession. Toward the end there's a great scene where Ahab wonders who moves his hand and motivates him. Is it he or God? Peck is remarkable in the part.God told Job about his creation of Leviathan. There is an echo here, and a question about man's role and his place as part of the Creation. There are deep mysteries to be pondered all the time, and this film rouses some of them.
Again, not a noir, but worth a word of praise to rescue it from oblivion. The crap of today doesn't resonate with me whtsoever, not like a film like this. No one today could do what this cast did and make us buy into it with respect. The actors are too lightweight generally and too shallow to reach into their depths and reflect life's depths an its mysteries. But not all and not always. I can imagine some who could deliver if challenged by the right material and direction. It's just that it's not hapenning.
Responses