Short Review: Wuthering Heights (1939)

Feb. 5, 2011

31. Wuthering Heights (1939)

Starring Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, David Niven, Flora Robson, Donald Crisp, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Hugh Williams, Leo G. Carroll

Directed by William Wyler

Plot: “The story of unfortunate lovers Heathcliff and Cathy who, despite a deep affection for one another, are forced by circumstance and prejudice to live their apart…” (from IMDb)

Can I just say that I hated this movie? I know it’s a classic and all that, but I really don’t see what’s so wonderful. It’s supposed to be a great love story but what I see from this adaption is two selfish, shallow, demented people so consumed with lust that it ruins their lives. I’m sorry, but that is not romance. I really did not care at all for either character—Heathcliff or Cathy. So, I apologize for those that love this movie, I was really just waiting for it to end.

Short Review: The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)

Feb. 4, 2011

30. The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)

Starring Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, Vincent Price

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Plot: “A depiction of the love/hate relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex.” (from IMDb)

This was a fairly good film. While it may not be entirely historically accurate, the characters are well-presented and the dialogue is crisp and eloquent. Despite the influence from the stage play on which it was based, the story transitions well to the movie format and benefits from beautiful Technicolor cinematography and a regal Korngold score. Against the fidgety, feisty queen (Bette Davis), Errol gives a subdued performance that lends balance to the picture. I thought that their relationship was a little exhausting to watch, though. They go from slapping each other to eating grapes to kissing to playing cards to yelling in minutes flat (I’m generalizing, but you get the idea). Also noteworthy is the exceptional supporting cast. This film wasn’t one of my favorites, but it’s interesting and worth seeing at least once.