Not a great film, sadly. It has a lot of potential, such as a fantastic cast, a great director and an excellent production studio but it was not only Crawford's performance that caused her to be listed as "box office poison" but the writing did not help either.
Changes made to the original story were incomplete and by so doing Anni becomes a condescending and pretentious twit. The hero(ine) of the story should at least be liked. You should be able to identify with her and cheer her on but I found myself hoping that she would fall flat on her face, in shame.
Her childish behavior simply ruins the entire film. As it ended, I felt like someone else deserved better.
In reality, at the time of production Crawford's life was very tumultuous and perhaps that tight migraine look she carries through the film was no acting. I'm reminded of Bacall's scene in Marlowe's vehicle when he breaks up with her. Bogart had just informed Bacall that he was going to get back with his wife. The resulting scene was a tender moment that felt genuine. However in this film, it's more like irritation and not tender at all.
It's okay though. Crawford made plenty of other films to choose from and not all have to be Grade A.
Changes made to the original story were incomplete and by so doing Anni becomes a condescending and pretentious twit. The hero(ine) of the story should at least be liked. You should be able to identify with her and cheer her on but I found myself hoping that she would fall flat on her face, in shame.
Her childish behavior simply ruins the entire film. As it ended, I felt like someone else deserved better.
In reality, at the time of production Crawford's life was very tumultuous and perhaps that tight migraine look she carries through the film was no acting. I'm reminded of Bacall's scene in Marlowe's vehicle when he breaks up with her. Bogart had just informed Bacall that he was going to get back with his wife. The resulting scene was a tender moment that felt genuine. However in this film, it's more like irritation and not tender at all.
It's okay though. Crawford made plenty of other films to choose from and not all have to be Grade A.