David Hertz's screenplay on Elizabeth Jenneway's paperback novel focuses on three very empty-headed characters. They're impulsive, confused, and extremely lacking in self understanding and appreciation.
Is it any wonder "Daisy Kenyon" reeks of a kind of gloomy hollowness? The shadowy lighting of the production merely amplifies the emotional state of these pitiful characters.
Although three full-fledged stars--Crawford, Andrews and Fonda--bring their unique talents to this enterprise, what their characters say and do doesn't really make much sense.
I couldn't help but pondering what a glum experience this must have been for these three actors, limning roles that probably did nothing to make their own private lives happier. Each reportedly could be considered in the "dark star" category, with alcohol, divorce, and depression playing a large part in their profiles. (While Crawford's and Andrews' situations have been well documented, Fonda's lackluster private life is more recently emerging: one of escaping reality by continuously burying himself in his work.)
The charismatic leads all look fine and give their all to this endeavor, making "Daisy Kenyon" seem much more substantial than it really is. Otto Preminger's direction is serviceable.
Is it any wonder "Daisy Kenyon" reeks of a kind of gloomy hollowness? The shadowy lighting of the production merely amplifies the emotional state of these pitiful characters.
Although three full-fledged stars--Crawford, Andrews and Fonda--bring their unique talents to this enterprise, what their characters say and do doesn't really make much sense.
I couldn't help but pondering what a glum experience this must have been for these three actors, limning roles that probably did nothing to make their own private lives happier. Each reportedly could be considered in the "dark star" category, with alcohol, divorce, and depression playing a large part in their profiles. (While Crawford's and Andrews' situations have been well documented, Fonda's lackluster private life is more recently emerging: one of escaping reality by continuously burying himself in his work.)
The charismatic leads all look fine and give their all to this endeavor, making "Daisy Kenyon" seem much more substantial than it really is. Otto Preminger's direction is serviceable.