I originally watched this movie as an assignment for school to compare it with the similarities in the play Phaedra by Racine from the year 1677. I enjoyed the movie and was especially intrigued to see Sophia Loren so young and debuting in Hollywood. It is true that viewers loath Burl Ives' character, but they are supposed to feel that way. The writers want you to see Ana's motives and desperation to feel empathy for her character.
A lot of older films do not even have a soundtrack, so I was glad that this one did have one to fill in the moments in between dialog. I thought this was very well done for a 1958 film. It really held my attention and had me on the edge of my seat a few times wondering what would happen next. I find the acting and storyline consistent with some of the stiffness that older films can present to modern audiences, but still enjoyable.
The ending does seem abrupt and I was left feeling frustrated. It really is tragic the way things went, but I think the main point is that wrongdoing eventually catches up to people in the end.
I would still recommend it as an enjoyable film and a great classic to watch.
A lot of older films do not even have a soundtrack, so I was glad that this one did have one to fill in the moments in between dialog. I thought this was very well done for a 1958 film. It really held my attention and had me on the edge of my seat a few times wondering what would happen next. I find the acting and storyline consistent with some of the stiffness that older films can present to modern audiences, but still enjoyable.
The ending does seem abrupt and I was left feeling frustrated. It really is tragic the way things went, but I think the main point is that wrongdoing eventually catches up to people in the end.
I would still recommend it as an enjoyable film and a great classic to watch.