I first saw this film on T.V. back in the late sixties.I was only eight or nine years old. This beautifully tragic film had a lasting effect on me. It was many years later, before I had the chance to see it again. I had only remembered bits and pieces of it at the time, but seeing it in my forties was no less mesmerizing.
Surfing through the channels last night, I came across a showing of the film on TCM. Unfortunately, I missed the first 20 minutes or so. But I couldn't resist watching the remainder of Something Wild. I came away with an even more resounding admiration for this bizarre foray into loneliness and despair. Carroll Baker's hauntingly nuanced performance was a revelation to behold. Ralph Meeker, an unappreciated actor for most of his career, gives a subdued but no less stellar a performance.
The story of a rape victim running from every memory of her horrible ordeal, only to attempt to take her own life, by jumping off the Manhattan Bridge. But a savior of sorts, played by Meeker, saves her just in time.These two aren't the only subjects to amaze your senses. The backdrop of New York City also plays a big role in the film. The great cinematography of NYC in the 1960's not only lends a gritty realism to Something Wild, but also made me nostalgic for my younger years. The conclusion of this cinematic gem might seem quite strange for some, but if you pay close attention, it is quite fitting. Look out for future T.V. moms Jean Stapleton ( Edith Bunker on All in the Family), and Doris Roberts, ( Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond).
Something Wild is quite simply something special!!!!!!
Surfing through the channels last night, I came across a showing of the film on TCM. Unfortunately, I missed the first 20 minutes or so. But I couldn't resist watching the remainder of Something Wild. I came away with an even more resounding admiration for this bizarre foray into loneliness and despair. Carroll Baker's hauntingly nuanced performance was a revelation to behold. Ralph Meeker, an unappreciated actor for most of his career, gives a subdued but no less stellar a performance.
The story of a rape victim running from every memory of her horrible ordeal, only to attempt to take her own life, by jumping off the Manhattan Bridge. But a savior of sorts, played by Meeker, saves her just in time.These two aren't the only subjects to amaze your senses. The backdrop of New York City also plays a big role in the film. The great cinematography of NYC in the 1960's not only lends a gritty realism to Something Wild, but also made me nostalgic for my younger years. The conclusion of this cinematic gem might seem quite strange for some, but if you pay close attention, it is quite fitting. Look out for future T.V. moms Jean Stapleton ( Edith Bunker on All in the Family), and Doris Roberts, ( Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond).
Something Wild is quite simply something special!!!!!!