Director: Douglas Sirk
This is a film that was surprising, because it is an American movie made in the 1950's, and so you would not expect much rebellious subtext. But this is a film that is very subversive and is very perceptive of the ills of social status. The movie combats love vs. social status, very familiar theme in romances, but this movie focuses less on the love between the couple, and more on the unfair social status system threatening to end it all.
I've already reviewed a couple of films that criticize elitist culture in the past few months (The Rules of the Game, Smiles of a Summer Night), and this movie is definitely comparable to those great films. We have heard bourgeoise criticism before in the movies, but rarely from an American standpoint. Another great element is beautiful lush color photography that highlights the melodrama in the situation and the truly tragic nature of the romance. This is a wonderful film that is truly quite surprising.
Grade: A-
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