If you've never seen an Ingrid Bergman movie, do not start with The Visit. I'm not going to tell you the plot, but I will give you that warning. Rent Casablanca or Gaslight or Saratoga Trunk-just don't rent The Visit.
So, since I'm not going to tell you the plot, what can I say to recommend this tense, exciting drama? In the opening credits, Ingrid Bergman's entourage is credited: Wardrobe designed by Rene Hubert, Executed by Nina Ricci, Makeup by John O'Gorman, Hair by Giorgio of Rome, Furs by Maurice Kotler, and Jewels by Bulgari. If that seems excessive, it's only because you haven't seen the movie yet. Ingrid is breathtakingly beautiful, more beautiful than in any other movie. Her exquisite costumes, furs, hats, and jewels fit right in with her character; she even has a pet cheetah! Not only does she command attention by her physical appearance, her performance in The Visit is perhaps the best of her career, rivaled only by my sentimental favorite, Gaslight.
Anthony Quinn is the male lead in the film-both Tony and Ingrid were co-producers of the film-and while it's impossible to take attention away from Ingrid in this movie, his performance is also very good. Ingrid is such a larger-than-life woman that often she overshadows her leading men. Tony can not only stand up against her energy, but he has an abundance of his own to give. Fans of unsettling films like A Farewell to Fools will find a new favorite in this stylized classic. It will leave you wanting more, and it will drain you. And, in the day and age of the feminist resurgence, it could easily be remade with any number of Hollywood icons vying for the lead.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since there's an upsetting scene involving an animal, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
So, since I'm not going to tell you the plot, what can I say to recommend this tense, exciting drama? In the opening credits, Ingrid Bergman's entourage is credited: Wardrobe designed by Rene Hubert, Executed by Nina Ricci, Makeup by John O'Gorman, Hair by Giorgio of Rome, Furs by Maurice Kotler, and Jewels by Bulgari. If that seems excessive, it's only because you haven't seen the movie yet. Ingrid is breathtakingly beautiful, more beautiful than in any other movie. Her exquisite costumes, furs, hats, and jewels fit right in with her character; she even has a pet cheetah! Not only does she command attention by her physical appearance, her performance in The Visit is perhaps the best of her career, rivaled only by my sentimental favorite, Gaslight.
Anthony Quinn is the male lead in the film-both Tony and Ingrid were co-producers of the film-and while it's impossible to take attention away from Ingrid in this movie, his performance is also very good. Ingrid is such a larger-than-life woman that often she overshadows her leading men. Tony can not only stand up against her energy, but he has an abundance of his own to give. Fans of unsettling films like A Farewell to Fools will find a new favorite in this stylized classic. It will leave you wanting more, and it will drain you. And, in the day and age of the feminist resurgence, it could easily be remade with any number of Hollywood icons vying for the lead.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since there's an upsetting scene involving an animal, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.