Dark Pictures Project

A noir about a young woman who’s dreams come true when she marries rich. Her dreams crumble apart when he becomes an insensitive brute, the role is played expertly by Robert Ryan who was supposedly channelling Howard Hughes. She eventually leaves him and tries to make her own living, where she meets a young doctor Larry Quineda whom she quickly falls for, making her life all the more complicated. The film is unfortunately not very good, a lot of this is due to Barbara Bel Geddes who just doesn’t have the acting chops for the role. Although I’m not big fan of Joan Fontaine, nor her typical withered woman role, she would have been much better for the part. Enough to elevate the film to minor classic status. Bel Geddes’ greatest fault perhaps is her inability to interact with those around her, there is no real connection with her and the other actors. It’s only supporting player Curt Bois who draws interaction from her, as a rather obnoxious assistant to Ryan’s millionaire.

Ophuls’ own visual style adds interest to the rather meandering plot, as the camera moves through walls, and characters who are probably standing within feet seem like they’re in different worlds. Space is emphasized greatly, in a very way. The homes of the rich are opulent, large and empty. They are not homes, they aren’t lived in, they aren’t enjoyed. This contrasts with the cramped existence of the doctor’s world, where there never is enough room, but there is so much joy and living going on that it feels more at home than any of the mansions. The contrast is emphasized when Ryan enters this world, and is shocked, even disgusted by it. He even remarks about his wife’s tiny apartment that only someone who never saw the rooms he lived in could be able to bear living there. A strange irony as his wife had decided to leave that world, and was determined not to return to it. Speaking of Ryan, he absolutely carries the film. His performance is grandiose and wonderful, one of his best… although he is very consistent. This combined with the visuals are enough for me to mildly recommend it, but still.. just barely.