Sunday, October 25, 2009

Latest Oscar-winner seen: Dodsworth (1936)


I was totally mesmerised by this movie. This movie might have been the most pleasant surprise I've ever experience (among films of course). It was directed by William Wyler, who won Oscars for Mrs Miniver, The Best Years of our Lives and Ben Hur. Having considered those films, I expected an entertaining work, but not a deeply human masterpiece.
Dodsworth is a beautiful tale about a middle-aged couple (Walter Huston and Ruth Chatterton), who decide to travel to Europe. Soon it becomes clear that the wife does not love her husband as much as she used to. They both meet new people who might be the keys to a better future.
I'd like to start with acting because it's the best point of the film. Walter Huston was superb and Oscar-nominated. And boy was he really robbed! He gives not only the best performance of his career, but also the best of the decade. Ruth Chatterton was also amazing, she made me feel sorry for that extremely selfish woman she played.
The supporting cast is also flawless: Mary Astor should have received an Oscar for her beautiful work (this was her personal favorite character), yet she failed to receive even a nomination. David Niven as the captain of the ship is extremely young and talented, Marie Ouspeskaya is good, but I don't think she should have received that nomination over the brilliant Mary Astor.
The technical part is also perfect. The directing, the writing, the cinematography, the score, the costume, the art direction.
To sum up, I more than loved this film. It's now among my favorite movies and let me tell you, very few movies get into that group so soon.
My Grade: 10/10 And I'm not afraid to say it's perfect.
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Walter Huston), Best Supporting Actress (Marie Ouspeskaya), Best Screenplay, Best Sound Recording, Best Art Direction (WON)
My wins: BEST PICTURE (robbery), DIRECTOR, ACTOR (scandal), SCREENPLAY, ART DIRECTION

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