Saw 'None But the Lonely Heart' as somebody who loves Cary Grant and has done for a long time, though was intrigued as to how he would fare in such an against type role. In fact, there are some very talented names in the cast here. Also the title of the film is also the English-language title of one of my favourite songs by Tchaikovsky, one of the most beautiful ever written. The story on paper sounded like it would be a charming and moving film.
Things that, to me after watching it, only came in spurts. Found myself rather disappointed by 'None But the Lonely Heart'. Not an awful by all means, but was expecting a lot more from it considering its potential and that Oscar wins and nominations were garnered. Not to mention that Grant considered it one of his favourites apparently, which to be honest did surprise me and this is coming from somebody who has always tried to be subjective when expressing her opinions.
'None But the Lonely Heart' does have its good things. The supporting cast are good and it is a case of the supporting cast being better than the lead. Ethel Barrymore brings dignity to her character, even if her physical resemblance to Grant is none, and Barry Fitzgerald has his usual twinkling charm. June Duprez is luminous and is movingly sincere. The same goes for Jane Wyatt. The dog is a scene stealer.
A few moving moments here and there, while the settings and lighting are atmospheric and some of the photography is beautiful. The music is very haunting and is the reason for any emotional impact the film has in spurts.
Do have to agree however that Grant doesn't work in the lead in one of his very few miscast performances, too old, too prim and proper and he even doesn't look very engaged. It is good when an actor/actress plays against type and there are many examples of successes in this regard, but Grant just doesn't fit here. There are things though that work against him and really badly bring 'None But the Lonely Heart' down further. Including a self-indulgent and turgid script that was in serious need of a tightening up, thin character writing, pedestrian pacing and uncertain direction indicative of inexperience.
Furthermore, the story doesn't really come to life and is like trudging through thick mud. It is quite dreary and the constant grimness makes it difficult to sit through. The vague fizzler that passes for an ending is another reason as to why the story fails, and too much of the photography is too murky which added further to the overload of grimness.
On the whole, a mildly intriguing curiosity but in terms of films and performances this leans more towards being one of Grant's misfires than winners. 5/10
Things that, to me after watching it, only came in spurts. Found myself rather disappointed by 'None But the Lonely Heart'. Not an awful by all means, but was expecting a lot more from it considering its potential and that Oscar wins and nominations were garnered. Not to mention that Grant considered it one of his favourites apparently, which to be honest did surprise me and this is coming from somebody who has always tried to be subjective when expressing her opinions.
'None But the Lonely Heart' does have its good things. The supporting cast are good and it is a case of the supporting cast being better than the lead. Ethel Barrymore brings dignity to her character, even if her physical resemblance to Grant is none, and Barry Fitzgerald has his usual twinkling charm. June Duprez is luminous and is movingly sincere. The same goes for Jane Wyatt. The dog is a scene stealer.
A few moving moments here and there, while the settings and lighting are atmospheric and some of the photography is beautiful. The music is very haunting and is the reason for any emotional impact the film has in spurts.
Do have to agree however that Grant doesn't work in the lead in one of his very few miscast performances, too old, too prim and proper and he even doesn't look very engaged. It is good when an actor/actress plays against type and there are many examples of successes in this regard, but Grant just doesn't fit here. There are things though that work against him and really badly bring 'None But the Lonely Heart' down further. Including a self-indulgent and turgid script that was in serious need of a tightening up, thin character writing, pedestrian pacing and uncertain direction indicative of inexperience.
Furthermore, the story doesn't really come to life and is like trudging through thick mud. It is quite dreary and the constant grimness makes it difficult to sit through. The vague fizzler that passes for an ending is another reason as to why the story fails, and too much of the photography is too murky which added further to the overload of grimness.
On the whole, a mildly intriguing curiosity but in terms of films and performances this leans more towards being one of Grant's misfires than winners. 5/10