I am surprised to read so many bad reviews of this movie on IMDd after having watched the restored version in glorious Technicolor and CinemaScope. Jean Simmons shines as usual and most of the secondary characters deliver a more than satisfying performance. Editing, cinematography and direction are fine.
So I agree with the former review untitled "Feverish melodrama, fifties malaise", except for one important point: I found the David Raksin score to be extremely annoying in the numerous intimate scenes with dialogue, undermining them with strings. It's not a matter of using dissonant music, rather a too old fashioned, and sirupy approach. Except for the opening titles and a few short dynamic passages, Raksin did a lousy job which actually deserves an otherwise very good film.
So I agree with the former review untitled "Feverish melodrama, fifties malaise", except for one important point: I found the David Raksin score to be extremely annoying in the numerous intimate scenes with dialogue, undermining them with strings. It's not a matter of using dissonant music, rather a too old fashioned, and sirupy approach. Except for the opening titles and a few short dynamic passages, Raksin did a lousy job which actually deserves an otherwise very good film.