Movie – Suddenly last summer

Movie – Suddenly, last summer

Score : 8.5/10  

Year : 1959

Director:  Joseph L. Mankiweicz 

Country: USA. 

Language: English

Duration: 1h40 

Writers:  

Gore Vidal (Tennessee Williams also received credit for) (screenplay)  ; 

Tennessee Williams (play)

Just like cat on a hot tin roof, Suddenly, last summer is based on an eponymous Tennessee Williams play and deals with dysfunctional people, human depravity and mental health - among other topics. 

1937, Dr Cukrowicz, a psychiatric doctor and surgeon in an underfunded state asylum, is summoned by a rich widow, Mrs Violet Venable, who tells him her story and requests that he lobotomizes Catherine, her niece, who went insane and became very violent...

Although not graphic, the mature, serious (sometimes morbid) topics of this movie limits its audience - and you might also prefer to watch it early enough in the day - it's not exactly a movie before bedtime. 

There are some very unhealthy relationships and self-absorbed characters throughout this film, but more humane as well. 

The dialogues are sharp and disturbing, with excellent delivery and acting by the cast - especially the top billed Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Katharine Hepburn ; special kudos to all 3. 

There are a lot of innuendos, letting you piece together your conclusions, probably because saying things aloud back in 1959 would've caused too much stir...

The cinematography and direction are well done, with a few interesting shots towards the end of the film - and a rather good pace, edit and camera panning slowly, especially coming closer to character's faces. 

The biggest issue of this film concerns its musical score, composed by Buxton Orr and which uses Malcom Arnold's themes : its sometimes too loud, overcoming the dialogues in key, dramatic moments. Other times, it's too excited when nothing happens (notably early during the intro ). 

That said, the ultimate revelation moment was aptly silent, conserving the drama at its highest point - which warrants a special note for me.

Because of it's topics, I don't plan to watch this movie too often - even though it's very well made and acted. 

A I haven't read the play, I cannot comment on the quality of adaptation - but since Mr Williams' also credited for the screenplay, I'd assume the majority if not all is accurate. 

Cast : 

Elizabeth Taylor as Catherine Holly

Katharine Hepburn as Violet Venable

Montgomery Clift as Dr. John Cukrowicz

Albert Dekker as Dr. Lawrence J. Hockstader

Mercedes McCambridge as Mrs. Grace Holly

Gary Raymond as George Holly

Mavis Villiers as Miss Foxhill

Patricia Marmont as Nurse Benson

Joan Young as Sister Felicity

Maria Britneva as Lucy

Sheila Robbins as Dr. Hockstader's Secretary

David Cameron as Young Blonde Interne

Richard Bakalyan as Patient (uncredited)

Marc Cavell as Patient (uncredited