Barely a few minutes into this movie, I was confused as to why I was even watching it. The acting in the first scene between Jimmy and his mom is absolutely awful, as is the camera work. Jimmy's performance doesn't seem to improve at all. In fact, I cringed when Jimmy stares directly into the camera after his first exchange with Shorty when he arrives at the reform home. That was quite a choice to make, but as far as the performance goes, I believe it's the kind of acting that doesn't understand the difference between on-stage and on-camera. Bette Davis easily gives the best performance in this movie, and with the amount of screen-time she gets, I think that's saying something.
I also noticed the lighting being slightly inconsistent and overall, not great. The transitions, however, consisting mainly of the number assigned to Jimmy at the reform home being added to list after list of new duties, were something I enjoyed. It was one of the only things that made me feel sympathy for his character.
One scene I did really enjoy was Jimmy's first try at supervising the other boys, who have been instructed to stare at a line on a wall indefinitely. The shots of their shadows on the wall followed by the one boy fainting really made me feel something. Horror, injustice, sympathy, disgust. While it had its moments, I can't say I was engaged or thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
I also noticed the lighting being slightly inconsistent and overall, not great. The transitions, however, consisting mainly of the number assigned to Jimmy at the reform home being added to list after list of new duties, were something I enjoyed. It was one of the only things that made me feel sympathy for his character.
One scene I did really enjoy was Jimmy's first try at supervising the other boys, who have been instructed to stare at a line on a wall indefinitely. The shots of their shadows on the wall followed by the one boy fainting really made me feel something. Horror, injustice, sympathy, disgust. While it had its moments, I can't say I was engaged or thoroughly enjoyed this movie.