Year: 1931
Director: Frank Borzage
Country: US
Language: English
Nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Bad Girl was adapted from the 1928 novel by Viña Delmar and the 1930 play by Delmar and Brian Marlowe. Several studios besides Fox were interested in making the movie, but the looming threat of the Hays office, and their insistence that the picture would not meet their standards, scared all but Fox away. It was a challenge, but Bad Girl barely made the censors.
A man (James Dunn) and woman (Sally Ellers), skeptical about romance, nonetheless fall in love and are wed, but their lack of confidence in the opposite sex haunts their marriage.
Bad Girl (1931) reminds me of King Vidor's silent masterpiece The Crowd (1928) in the way that it realistically captures the trials and tribulations of an American couple, albeit the latter is a bit more bitter. The background story of what was considered "making it" in a poor economy is especially pertinent today. It primarily deals with finding contentment and trying to live up to romantic ideals while satisfying your own morals.
This picture is a romantic drama, that although can be a bit too optimistic, feels authentic and genuine in the emotions that burst through the screen. The misunderstandings within Bad Girl can be seen in the majority of relationships, especially blossoming ones. The richness in detail creates a gorgeous painting of daily city life during the depression era. Director Frank Borzage certainly is a master of his craft.
The only real negative of Bad Girl is that it can be a bit too talky, especially during parts where you'd rather have silence. Still it's a remarkable picture that weaves tricky emotional webs that are unfortunately recognizable, even in 2018.
No comments:
Post a Comment