This film doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but this sticks in my mind as one of Hollywood's greatest films of the 1940's. Based on Ayn Rand's popular novel, THE FOUNTAINHEAD unites two of Hollywood's most legendary stars, Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal doing some of their finest work ever. Though many people who have seen this film claim that Cooper was miscast, he still gives a memorable performance and makes a strong impression. Cooper plays a gifted architect whose fierce individualism nearly ruins his career. Patricia Neal is an equally headstrong critic whose interest in Cooper goes beyond his work. Neal is a perfect match for the tough, will-of-iron Cooper. In fact, the chemistry between these two is amazing. Though their intimate moments are fairly tame by today's standards, Cooper and Neal ignite fire in their love-making scenes. It's not surprising that their on-screen romance carried over into real life. My favorite scene is where an infuriated Neal rides up on horseback and thrashes her whip across Cooper's face when he rejects her not-so subtle invitation up to her bedroom. This scene could have easily turned campy, but King Vidor is such a skilled director, and Cooper and Neal are such distinguished and professional actors that the scene comes off in a rather smooth and serious fashion.
Review of The Fountainhead
