Portrait of Jennie
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Movie Reviews of Portrait of Jennie
Movie Review: Hauntingly beautiful romance
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1948 David O Selznick produced a cinematic love letter to Jennifer Jones with PORTRAIT OF JENNIE. It's a haunting, and lovely little film, that has an almost dreamlike, surreal quality to it. Also, unlike most of Selznick's prior films, which were elaborate, often overblown productions, this was a very private statement, quite subtle in character even as the plot develops and suspense builds leading up to a breathtaking storm sequence climax.
All the performances were first rate. Joseph Cotton was especially effective as the artist Eben Adams, and Jennifer Jones, as Jennie Appleton was simply wonderful. In fact, Selznick had so much confidence in her acting chops that he allowed her to play Jennie as a preteen in her first meeting with Eben, even though he could have used a young actress who resembled her in that role. Jones was 29 years old at the time. I always thought Jennifer Jones was an underrated actress in that period, even though she won an Oscar, and was nominated 4 other times. I just love her in this movie.
Movie Review: JONES AT HER MOST ETHEREAL!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, the DVD transfer is excellent!! Glorious black and white and the technicolor sequences are enthralling!! No extras aside from subtitles are included.
Now, "Portrait of Jennie" is, indeed, something from another world largely due to Jones' excellent performance. Her ethereal beauty was never more evident than in this picture (including The Song of Bernadette). There is pure magic between her and Joseph Cotten, the poor, lonely artist who captures the magic on canvas. The ending shot of the portrait is haunting...as is the picture itself. Jones was perfect casting for Jennie and unlike many of her other portrayals, her facial expressions and contortions during the overly dramatic scenes are not evident here making this portrayal one of her best. This is a great picture to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon. If you happen to live by the sea, you'll really get a taste of what this movie is about. Romantic love, timeless as the ages, and as real and eternal as the wind ever blowing! A classic!
Movie Review: Read the book ... watch the movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched the movie several times. I even bought the video. Then I read the book. I suggest that you do it the other way around. Both have their strong points. The feel is the same. However, the book allowed other people to see and interact with Jennie. In the movie, only Eben (Joseph Cotton) sees Jennie (Jennifer Jones.) The portrait in the bar is different; it is probably some adjustment for the time of the movie. In addition, the ending is different. I am not sure which ending I like best. One interesting notation on the movie, it was shot with a filter that made the movie have a texture that looks like a portrait.
Any way I do not want to describe the plot. Therefore, I will tell you that it was nicer to get the Hardcover Buccaneer book, than some old yellowing thing from a secondhand store that costs just as much. I have it next to the video and still re-read it periodically.
Portrait of Jennie
Movie Review: Strange but irresistably fascinating love story.
Summary: 5 Stars
Portrait of Jennie is a strange time-warp love story which may be dismissed by some modern viewers as silly. Yet to me it is almost irresistably fascinating. Even though I regularly watch it on DVD, if I come upon it on TV anywhere in the story I usually am hooked and stay with it to the end, which I almost invariably find quite moving. On the other hand, I suspect that some modern viewers might turn this strange movie off after only a few minutes, or dislike the ending if they stayed with it that far. This wonderful movie is Hollywood's Golden Age at its romantic best and may not please some modern tastes. Therefore, I can't assure you that you'll like this movie because you may not, particularly if you're not a romantic. I can tell you, though, that many of us count this haunting romantic fantasy among our favorite films and, if you see it, you may do so too. I strongly suggest that you give it a try. By the way, Jennifer Jones is outstanding -- and especially beautiful -- as Jenny.Movie Review: Portrait of Jennie
Summary: 5 Stars
A lovely, haunting fantasy of Joseph Cotton meeting a girl (Jennifer Jones) from another age, who "grows up fast" in order to be with him only to die tragically. But she has made him able to paint deeply and importantly because of his love of her, and he faces the future with a different view of time and the meaning of life. (or is that my wishful thinking?) Beautifully acted, certainly a chick flick (sigh) but one of the best of the older classic movies with an excellent support cast of Ethel Barrymore & Lilian Gish.
You should see Joseph Cotton in Shadow of a Doubt as well, a completely different role in which he plays a serial killer posing as a loving uncle visiting his family. Excellent suspense movie with Teresa Wright as she gradually puts clues together and begins to suspect her beloved uncle, and begins to have mysterious accidents.