Expected more..
Didn't find this film compelling enough to maintain my attention, even though I was trying very hard not to fall asleep. Even making allowances for the film's style and attitudes given its vintage, I was somewhat disapointed with this Orson Welles movie. The lighting may have been intended to look dramatic or to add 'weight' to the scences, but the heavy shadows and extreme contrast only served to (often) obscure the characters' faces and became an irritant. The interior set design looked opulant enough and the acting certainly sturdy, but the storyline didn't cut the mustard. I even watched this film twice, thinking that I must have missed some subtlety or other the first time around which may prove to redeem it. Alas the second viewing did not prove any better and I lost interest just the same. The long voice over at the beginning over-egged the introduction. One thing I did like however, was the quirky credits at the end with the included screen shots. Please don't think I'm trying to put you off renting this one - I'm sure some people will find this a masterpiece. I suppose its just not the type of film which appeals to me!
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