It was interesting to have Paul Henreid, better known as an actor, in the director's chair, with 'A Woman's Devotion' is the second film he directed out of six between 1952 and 1964. Was also looking forward to seeing Ralph Meeker in the lead role, in a type of role that seemed to fit what he was best known for on paper. Really liked the concept for the film as well, with the right execution it could have been a quite tense film that didn't hold back.
Something that 'A Woman's Devotion' mostly was, a quite tense film that doesn't sugarcoat things. Deserving of more credit instead of the practically obscure status it has now. 'A Woman's Devotion' is not perfect by all means (few films are) and doesn't completely live up to its potential, with a few disappointments and a final quarter or so that didn't seem as strong as the rest of the film. Mixed with those disappointments are a lot of good things.
'A Woman's Devotion' could have been stronger. Meeker has been a lot better than he is here and disappoints, the role is one that required tough intensity and unusually Meeker didn't have that in his performance and didn't seem that engaged in the third act.
Which generally could have done with more tension and the ending felt too abrupt.
The rest of the acting is fine though, with Janice Rule, in one of the more difficult parts, having the intensity (as well as the sensuality) that Meeker didn't have. Rosenda Monteros, very close to getting the acting honours at her best, unsettles as Maria. Henreid has the authority of his role just right. He directs with assurance, really letting the atmosphere speak in the first part and personally didn't think it took too long to get to the meat of the story.
It is the middle where 'A Woman's Devotion' is at its best, where the characters (especially Stella) are at their most interesting and investable and where the more mystery aspects are at their most engaging and suspenseful. It's a great looking film, especially the photography, and the music doesn't detract from the atmosphere. The script is lean and intriguing enough at all times and there is a suitably pull no punches approach to the material.
Overall, not a great film but worth tracking down at least. 7/10
Something that 'A Woman's Devotion' mostly was, a quite tense film that doesn't sugarcoat things. Deserving of more credit instead of the practically obscure status it has now. 'A Woman's Devotion' is not perfect by all means (few films are) and doesn't completely live up to its potential, with a few disappointments and a final quarter or so that didn't seem as strong as the rest of the film. Mixed with those disappointments are a lot of good things.
'A Woman's Devotion' could have been stronger. Meeker has been a lot better than he is here and disappoints, the role is one that required tough intensity and unusually Meeker didn't have that in his performance and didn't seem that engaged in the third act.
Which generally could have done with more tension and the ending felt too abrupt.
The rest of the acting is fine though, with Janice Rule, in one of the more difficult parts, having the intensity (as well as the sensuality) that Meeker didn't have. Rosenda Monteros, very close to getting the acting honours at her best, unsettles as Maria. Henreid has the authority of his role just right. He directs with assurance, really letting the atmosphere speak in the first part and personally didn't think it took too long to get to the meat of the story.
It is the middle where 'A Woman's Devotion' is at its best, where the characters (especially Stella) are at their most interesting and investable and where the more mystery aspects are at their most engaging and suspenseful. It's a great looking film, especially the photography, and the music doesn't detract from the atmosphere. The script is lean and intriguing enough at all times and there is a suitably pull no punches approach to the material.
Overall, not a great film but worth tracking down at least. 7/10