MGM slums it with some horror, though it gives Spencer Tracy the chance to do his stuff and its set in their backlot Britain which it loved. Two macho types were behind it - John Lee Mahin and Victor Fleming.
This film is mostly for fans of the stars (and director) and the story... and also students of acting. It's interesting how Tracy challenges the role. Underplays as Jekyll. Kind of as Hyde but he still has silly make up on which is disconcerting. I didn't think it worked.
Great intensity in the scenes where Hyde torments Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner. Like they are full on sadistic scenes I think Fleming got off on them. Also both actresses are clearly into Tracy as Jekyll - again Fleming seems into this. Bergman and Turner both look stunning. Bergman really gets into flirting with good Tracy and being scared of bad Tracy, it's a very good performance. Turner is also strong.
Beautifully shot. Ian Hunter is the dull guy who is there to shoot Jekyll dead. Donald Crisp and C Aubrey Smith are stock British types.
Quite confronting. Bergman is raped and then strangled. Turne is attacked. (Though doesn't die.)
The film didn't quite work for me but it is interesting.
No comments:
Post a Comment