I saw this film for the first time today on HBO (thanks guys, for occasionally bring out older nuggets like this one to re-introduce them to subsequent generations!).
The first half of this film was stunning in it's honesty, and in the subtle directing, acting and script. The abortion scene brought tears to my eyes, as it was so REAL: There were so many underlying themes intersecting all at once: First for Natalie Woods character -- it was clear that she was hell bent on taking control of her life and her future, and that meant ending the pregnancy...and yet, there was no denying the strong bond she felt with Steve McQueens rebellious player character (I always feel sorry for women who fall for guys like this!!!!!!) -- she wondered: Could it work? But then reality slaps her in the face and her steely resolve returns...and also she's got to be scared to death just for the physical invasion she is about to endure under such circumstances.
And then, complicating the matter even further, was Steve's character, waiting outside the door for her to finish the procedure -- he, too, was clearly experiencing many conflicting emotions all at once: of course, being a player with no plans for being tied down, he was relieved she was "taking care of it." And yet -- like Natalies character, he was strangely drawn to this woman he had only really "known" for less than a day -- could it be love? Could it be REAL? I have rarely seen such genuine passion in a film as the scene where he bursts in, grabs Natalie, and when she falls into his arms sobbing, he whispers: "I would kill them before they hurt you." Not a dry eye in the house I'm sure. What a moment. Adding to the poignancy is the fact that both of these fine actors died in the "live fast/die young" category of Hollywood actors -- making it all seem that much more touching.
The second half of the movie became more typical, but that's OK. Please, Hollywood -- let us say once again "They DO make movies like that AGAIN!"
The first half of this film was stunning in it's honesty, and in the subtle directing, acting and script. The abortion scene brought tears to my eyes, as it was so REAL: There were so many underlying themes intersecting all at once: First for Natalie Woods character -- it was clear that she was hell bent on taking control of her life and her future, and that meant ending the pregnancy...and yet, there was no denying the strong bond she felt with Steve McQueens rebellious player character (I always feel sorry for women who fall for guys like this!!!!!!) -- she wondered: Could it work? But then reality slaps her in the face and her steely resolve returns...and also she's got to be scared to death just for the physical invasion she is about to endure under such circumstances.
And then, complicating the matter even further, was Steve's character, waiting outside the door for her to finish the procedure -- he, too, was clearly experiencing many conflicting emotions all at once: of course, being a player with no plans for being tied down, he was relieved she was "taking care of it." And yet -- like Natalies character, he was strangely drawn to this woman he had only really "known" for less than a day -- could it be love? Could it be REAL? I have rarely seen such genuine passion in a film as the scene where he bursts in, grabs Natalie, and when she falls into his arms sobbing, he whispers: "I would kill them before they hurt you." Not a dry eye in the house I'm sure. What a moment. Adding to the poignancy is the fact that both of these fine actors died in the "live fast/die young" category of Hollywood actors -- making it all seem that much more touching.
The second half of the movie became more typical, but that's OK. Please, Hollywood -- let us say once again "They DO make movies like that AGAIN!"