When I see old Hollywood films that are supposed to be "the best," I tend to agree they are better than the usual Hollywood fare. But to say The Misfits is a great film would be misleading. It seems like an American attempt to be French, except the French can pull it off and Americans can't somehow, or at least couldn't in this case. Arthur Miller's preachy dialog and monologues are just hitting you over the head. The allegories, parallels, metaphors, symbols... are all too obvious, to the point of being annoying and making you roll your eyes. Monroe's acting is mediocre, though she is fascinating to watch. Wallach and Clift do a good job in general. Thelma Ritter, I would be brave enough to say, is the best actor in the film! Gable is just a caricature of a cowboy (and himself). Clift's and Monroe's ongoing substance abuse issues show through, which probably "helps" their acting, since they are supposed to be drunk throughout most of the film. The drastic character changes, especially for Gable's character, seem extremely forced. And of course, this being Hollywood and not a good French film, there is a happy ending! What?!?! No way should this film have a happy ending! But it does, go figure...
Perhaps the most captivating scenes are when the men and Monroe go out mustanging (catching wild horses). These scenes with the horses, the struggle between man and nature, the struggle to make a living vs. being kind at the face of losing manliness and income... They are impressive and memorable.
The film in the second half seems like an advertisement for PETA, Monroe being extremely upset at the men who are capturing the wild horses.
I'd say watch it, if you must cover the "important" oldies or if you are a die hard fan of Monroe, Clift, Gable et al. But otherwise, those are 2 hours of your life you'll never get back...
Perhaps the most captivating scenes are when the men and Monroe go out mustanging (catching wild horses). These scenes with the horses, the struggle between man and nature, the struggle to make a living vs. being kind at the face of losing manliness and income... They are impressive and memorable.
The film in the second half seems like an advertisement for PETA, Monroe being extremely upset at the men who are capturing the wild horses.
I'd say watch it, if you must cover the "important" oldies or if you are a die hard fan of Monroe, Clift, Gable et al. But otherwise, those are 2 hours of your life you'll never get back...