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Film Review of The Misfits: Hot Emotions, Hot Girls and Hot Guys in The Hot Nevada Desert
What happens when one available beauty attracts the attention of three eligible men who move in the same rodeo circles? What if the one who most interests her initially has the least likelihood of respecting her concerns over animal rights and welfare? Whether the beauty will persevere or settle for less is one of the complications in the plot of the film “The Misfits".
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The Misfits is a drama film which attracts audiences with its diverse characters, philosophical underpinnings, stark cinematography, strong emotions, and universal themes.
Setting can take a back seat to the people, places and things in the unfurling events of a film’s plot. But its role is critical in drama films which associate copious opportunities and full lives with lush environments. It will be equally pivotal in dramatic movies which connect limited opportunities and sparse lives to stark environments.
The disconnect amongst people in harsh environments indeed is one of the philosophical underpinnings of The Misfits, written by Arthur Miller; produced by Frank E. Taylor; and directed by John Huston. The cinematographer was Russell Metty. Editing and music were the respective responsibilities of George Tomasini and Alex North. The scenes were shot in Los Angeles, California and in Nevada at locations in Dayton, Pyramid Lake, Quail Canyon, and Reno.
The Misfits runs for 120+ minutes. The film was released by its distributor, United Artists, on February 1, 1961. Audiences and critics were impressed with the cinematography, performances and script even though the movie only became profitable with its release on DVD.
The film indeed honors the last acting performances by Clark Gable (1901-1960) and Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962). It is the only time that the two stars acted together. Both stars were given gritty roles which were not representative of their portfolios. Both were monumental in their interpretations of challenging characters.
The Misfits deals with the disconnects of daily life lived as a struggle in a harsh environment. For example, Roslyn Tabor (played by Marilyn Monroe) is divorced from Raymond Tabor (played by Kevin McCarthy). Ex-cowboy Gay Langland (played by Clark Gable) is embittered by failed family relationships and limited work prospects. Guido (played by Eli Wallach) lives with the knowledge that his wife died because a flat tire kept him from getting her to the delivery room. Perce Howland (played by Montgomery Clift) resists letting go of counterproductive emotional baggage.
All three men share backgrounds in Nevada’s rodeo world. All three unite in being attracted to Roslyn’s sensitive personality and sensuous beauty. Will Roslyn’s love for animals, life and people heal the wounds of alienation and disappointment in any or all three?
The Misfits is a philosophically themed, realistically presented, sensitively performed, and strikingly filmed movie which can be viewed by all audiences. It offers adventure for adventure-lovers, beauty for nature-lovers, entertainment for family night, food for thought, and happy endings for all viewers.
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Copyright: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 by Derdriu.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EckvMsLsfBM
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Derdriu, Your review wonderfully highlights this often overlooked movie, which has many undertones and rather more depth than it’s given credit. Marilyn’s characterization is endearing. It’s a poignant tribute to three fine actors whose lives ended shortly thereafter: Clark Gable in 1960, Marilyn in 1962, and Monty in 1966.
Appreciatively, Stessily
Stessily, It’s sad that the film ever attracted negative criticism and that it wasn’t a moneymaker. It’s great that with time the film has made money and the uniformly fine work contributed by cast and crew is appreciated.
One of my favorite scenes is the vegetable garden interaction between Clark and Marilyn. Another is the sharing of confidences by Marilyn and Monty.
Thank you for appreciating the movie and my review, Derdriu
excellent work Good useful info Congrats, to you *
http://www.triond.com/users/elee
elee, All of Marilyn’s movies were profitable except for “There’s no business like show business”. “The Misfits” and “Some like it hot” are among her most critically acclaimed movies, for drama in the first case and comedy in the second.
The film in fact is an excellent vehicle for all of the actors involved. For example, I like how Clark Gable handles his gritty role. It’s well done, just as his performance in “Run silent, run deep”.
Respectfully, and with many thanks for visiting and appreciating a good film, Derdriu