The subject sounded interesting, if strange. Was intrigued into how 'You and Me' would deal with its meshing of different tones, whether it would be seamless and gel or whether it would clash too much and feel too odd. Fritz Lang was a fine director who made a lot of great films, the best influential (his weakest work still watchable), and Sylvia Sidney did understated poignancy better than a lot of actors/actresses at that time. Also admire Kurt Weill.
Actually watched 'You and Me' more than once, the rewatch being quite soon after the other. Not because of loving it so much that it became a favourite, but due to finding it a very weird film that tonally felt very confused. Could see why it was so disliked by critics at the same. Saw it again to give it a second chance, due to liking Lang and Sidney so much and to take it for what it was as well as reading the reviews that show a more positive appraisal of the film overtime. The good news is, while still not being a great film and Lang and Sidney's other films are superior, 'You and Me' was much better second time round.
Sure, tonally it doesn't always gel and like it tried to do too much with a lot of elements that sometimes clash. Which did make it feel muddled first time round and why it felt weird to me, there is still that feeling but not as bad.
Considering the subject, it sometimes could have done with a little more edge in the crime drama part of the story. It does start off a bit rough, too silly and awkward.
'You and Me' does very quickly get much better. It looks great, with one of the film's biggest stars being the very atmospheric photography. Lang's direction is mostly very skilled and there is enough of his distinctive style, other films of his showcase it better though. Weill's music shines, sometimes haunting and at other times very entertaining. The song with the criminals is a hoot. The script is thoughtful and intriguing enough.
The story is not perfect tonally, but has some nice suspense, doesn't lay it on too thick with the moralising and the romance has tension and charm. The ending is inventive. Sidney gives a nuanced performance that is always engaging and quite poignant. George Raft has some good chemistry with her and is brooding enough. Harry Carey is the supporting cast standout.
Overall, not perfect by any stretch but does a lot right. 7/10
Actually watched 'You and Me' more than once, the rewatch being quite soon after the other. Not because of loving it so much that it became a favourite, but due to finding it a very weird film that tonally felt very confused. Could see why it was so disliked by critics at the same. Saw it again to give it a second chance, due to liking Lang and Sidney so much and to take it for what it was as well as reading the reviews that show a more positive appraisal of the film overtime. The good news is, while still not being a great film and Lang and Sidney's other films are superior, 'You and Me' was much better second time round.
Sure, tonally it doesn't always gel and like it tried to do too much with a lot of elements that sometimes clash. Which did make it feel muddled first time round and why it felt weird to me, there is still that feeling but not as bad.
Considering the subject, it sometimes could have done with a little more edge in the crime drama part of the story. It does start off a bit rough, too silly and awkward.
'You and Me' does very quickly get much better. It looks great, with one of the film's biggest stars being the very atmospheric photography. Lang's direction is mostly very skilled and there is enough of his distinctive style, other films of his showcase it better though. Weill's music shines, sometimes haunting and at other times very entertaining. The song with the criminals is a hoot. The script is thoughtful and intriguing enough.
The story is not perfect tonally, but has some nice suspense, doesn't lay it on too thick with the moralising and the romance has tension and charm. The ending is inventive. Sidney gives a nuanced performance that is always engaging and quite poignant. George Raft has some good chemistry with her and is brooding enough. Harry Carey is the supporting cast standout.
Overall, not perfect by any stretch but does a lot right. 7/10