Hey world, hope you’re doing well. Today we are going to be looking a classic from the 1940’s that captured many of the traits of that time, Gilda.
Now this is just my opinion, but Hollywood has been a disappointment lately. I’m surprised most of their own films are able to win much, since most of them are doing nothing more these days besides whitewashing amazing Japanese franchises. Which obviously leads to massive backlash and flops- which they deserve. Apart from that it looks like they want to make money out of nostalgia factors, but mostly failing, and what else? I’m not particularly happy with the dialogues.
The only movie out of the recent bunch that I really liked,and that actually made a huge impact was ‘Get Out’. It was well-written, had multiple meanings, the acting was good and it gave people something to think about.
But hey, why do that when you could ruin a respected franchise?
But it is visible that audiences are looking for something nostalgic, and for that my solution is actually watching old movies. And you should watch Gilda.
Gilda gets its name from the femme fatale played but the talented Rita Hayworth, who still has feeling for Johnny Farrell, played by Glenn Ford. Only problem is he is the trusted worker to her criminal and closet psycho, aristocratic, probably British husband, who has ties with the German mafia.
Glida, by all standards is a good movie, which is enchantingly beautiful. It’s black and white, and the focus isn’t strictly on the frame, but the atmosphere captures your eye, the use of silhouette and shadows is genius and everyone looks amazing in the closeups. You can tell that the directors knew how to show internal struggle with little actions.
The dialogues and the delivery is also a breath of fresh, they actually have a flow,character and emotion in their voices. Which is something I’ve always respected and enjoyed in old Hollywood movies, every actor has a strong distinct voice, they all have something to add to the film and are articulate to the point that you wish you sounded like them. That only happens when someone is God-gifted good.
I also like that there was an active and interesting humanistic and emotional focus in the film. The conflict could be many things, but I think it revolves mostly around Johnny and Gilda, and how they love each other, but in a hateful way and spend most of their time making the other jealous and miserable. I think this kind of dilemma won’t do well with modern audiences because it does come of as slow and you have to pay attention to the screen. And there is also not a lot of active action, like excessive gunshots, but I think the movie did an excellent job at showing how the mafia works, and how secret societies are controlled.
The characters are charismatic and full of energy, and I noticed that all of them are trying hard not to be eaten by feelings of love or the past. They don’t want to be ruled by their feelings, and in this Johnny is the most steadfast. Gilda does try to shut excitement away by closing a door, but she does try to spark up Johnny is a reckless and care free manner. Her older husband Ballin, catches on to the obvious fire between them, but doesn’t show a lot of anger against them. He does warn Gilda, but even he seems to take some enjoyment out of the heat between everyone, by tempting and testing them. He even expresses with his face in the dark that, ‘hate can be an exciting emotion’.
The music also does justice to its time, and on a good note, they don’t have background all the time, which adds more suspense and drama in the atmosphere. But when a song or dance does happen its welcoming. One very iconic song from the movie is, ‘Put the blame on Mame’, which addresses how Johnny blames Gilda for everything in his life, and wants nothing but to punish her. Like that is ever going to solve anything.
To conclude, Gilda is a movie you really should watch and sense. It has all the ticks of a good dramatic and intriguing tale, with a nice,expected ending. It may not reach out to the masses, and not have a processed pop album with blonde wig, and there is no CGI, but surprise it doesn’t need any of that.The movie is a unique thing, with its own personality and style and it is liked because of that by the audience it touches.
Changing it that won’t make it any good, and filmmakers needs to realize that. And should also leave Asian content and roles away from their vulgar hands,and destroy their own content.
Maheen's Muse 