Have liked a fair share of Norma Shearer's performances, a big example being 'Smilin Through' which she is magnificent in. She was my main reason in wanting to see 'The Divorcee' and to see what the fuss was about with her Oscar win for her performance (whether she deserved it or not). The subject matter was interesting and quite racy to explore in film back when talkies were in their early days, with themes and such that are hardly irrelevant now.
'The Divorcee' to me has its flaws and part of me was expecting more considering that it won one Oscar and nominated for another three. It is still a very interesting and well executed film though, with a lot of admirable qualities. Shearer's win was not undeserving in my view, but do think that she gave better performances in her career (her not even being nominated for 'Smilin Through' was a big oversight). The script was also a worthy nominee for how it handles the film's difficult subject, though there were better films overall released that year (i.e. 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the two films are not in the same league).
Will get the flaws out of the way. The pace is a bit creaky at times.
Chester Morris is wooden with not much screen presence and personally did fail to see the attraction. The ending was not easy to swallow, with what happens being unrealistic and not making sense in real life. After having such racy content on the whole, the film just ends on a safe and too tidy note.
It is a very handsomely produced film though, the photography is remarkably slick and elegant and there is not too much of a too fussy feel to the costumes and sets. 'The Divorcee' is on the most part skillfully directed and not with too much of a heavy hand and Shearer brings sophistication and appealing spunk to the lead role. Robert Montgomery is the other cast standout in a very smooth and charming turn.
One of 'The Divorcee's' biggest stars is the script, which is sophisticated and sharp-witted, with some surprising boldness that didn't come over to me as too tame now, while treating a serious subject with respect without being too morose or anything. The story occasionally creaks and the ending doesn't convince, but much of it is compelling and one can see clearly, with its ahead of the time execution in its frankness, that the subject and the themes were daring back then. Also don't think they have dated, the topic is still a very much relevant one now and the themes are also still relatable and true to real life.
Summing up, could have been more but interesting and well done. 7/10
'The Divorcee' to me has its flaws and part of me was expecting more considering that it won one Oscar and nominated for another three. It is still a very interesting and well executed film though, with a lot of admirable qualities. Shearer's win was not undeserving in my view, but do think that she gave better performances in her career (her not even being nominated for 'Smilin Through' was a big oversight). The script was also a worthy nominee for how it handles the film's difficult subject, though there were better films overall released that year (i.e. 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the two films are not in the same league).
Will get the flaws out of the way. The pace is a bit creaky at times.
Chester Morris is wooden with not much screen presence and personally did fail to see the attraction. The ending was not easy to swallow, with what happens being unrealistic and not making sense in real life. After having such racy content on the whole, the film just ends on a safe and too tidy note.
It is a very handsomely produced film though, the photography is remarkably slick and elegant and there is not too much of a too fussy feel to the costumes and sets. 'The Divorcee' is on the most part skillfully directed and not with too much of a heavy hand and Shearer brings sophistication and appealing spunk to the lead role. Robert Montgomery is the other cast standout in a very smooth and charming turn.
One of 'The Divorcee's' biggest stars is the script, which is sophisticated and sharp-witted, with some surprising boldness that didn't come over to me as too tame now, while treating a serious subject with respect without being too morose or anything. The story occasionally creaks and the ending doesn't convince, but much of it is compelling and one can see clearly, with its ahead of the time execution in its frankness, that the subject and the themes were daring back then. Also don't think they have dated, the topic is still a very much relevant one now and the themes are also still relatable and true to real life.
Summing up, could have been more but interesting and well done. 7/10