pjapproved Review of The Magnificent Ambersons

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)

Magnificent (Lost) Masterpiece. (minor spoilers)

[10/10 · 24 July 2004]

This is by far one of the best films ever made. Or at least, it could have been. This drama adapted by Welles, from Booth Tarkington's novel about a troubled family at the turn of the 20th century, contains great characters, set-decoration and cinematography. By watching it I'm both stunned and sad at the same time thinking about what this movie could have been, if it hadn't been taken out of Welles' hands. Re-cutting and re-shooting this film is probably the greatest mistake a studio has ever done. The remaining pieces ( 88min. out of approx 145min.) still has a great punch to them. Welles' clever camera-setups and powerful direction, matches his previous film, Kane, in every way. The conflict within the family are explored by great dialog and acting by it's cast. Don't miss this one. ps. sorry, my English is not that good......