Camille could top the Elephant Man for the most moving film of all time. Everything about this movie is beautiful, the acting, the cinematography and one of the saddest endings on film.
The story is wonderful, based on a work by Alexandre Dumas Junior. The opera La Traviata also happened to be inspired by the story, and I noticed a number of similarities between this film and the opera, like the death scene, and when Armand insults Margherite(throwing money in her face, like in the opera).
The cinematography and costumes were gorgeous, and an example of French extravagance, despite the fact that Camille was made in the 30s. The music, especially in Margherite's death scene, was so hauntingly touching. Through the music, we felt the romance between Armand and Margherite. Also Margherite's death is the most heart-rending death ever on screen, whether in romance or a biographical drama.
The performances were exceptional. Greta Garbo was the movie. The whole movie is worth watching just for her performance, which was more than outstanding. This movie was referenced in the 1982 musical Annie, which was where I got introduced to the movie. Robert Taylor, I usually find a bit dull, but I felt a great much-needed restraint here, in possibly his best performance. Everybody else was great as well, particularly Lionel Barrymore as Monsieur Duval.
In conclusion, a beautiful and inspired film, so worth watching for Garbo's performance and her character's death. Believe me, it is a million times better than most of the rubbishy sentimental romantic dramas out now, and that's a fact! 10/10. Bethany Cox
The story is wonderful, based on a work by Alexandre Dumas Junior. The opera La Traviata also happened to be inspired by the story, and I noticed a number of similarities between this film and the opera, like the death scene, and when Armand insults Margherite(throwing money in her face, like in the opera).
The cinematography and costumes were gorgeous, and an example of French extravagance, despite the fact that Camille was made in the 30s. The music, especially in Margherite's death scene, was so hauntingly touching. Through the music, we felt the romance between Armand and Margherite. Also Margherite's death is the most heart-rending death ever on screen, whether in romance or a biographical drama.
The performances were exceptional. Greta Garbo was the movie. The whole movie is worth watching just for her performance, which was more than outstanding. This movie was referenced in the 1982 musical Annie, which was where I got introduced to the movie. Robert Taylor, I usually find a bit dull, but I felt a great much-needed restraint here, in possibly his best performance. Everybody else was great as well, particularly Lionel Barrymore as Monsieur Duval.
In conclusion, a beautiful and inspired film, so worth watching for Garbo's performance and her character's death. Believe me, it is a million times better than most of the rubbishy sentimental romantic dramas out now, and that's a fact! 10/10. Bethany Cox