The Life of Emile Zola (Special Edition)
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Movie Reviews of The Life of Emile Zola (Special Edition)
Movie Review: 1937 PRESTIGE PICTURE
Summary: 4 Stars
An unknown young Parisian writer suddenly becomes famous for penning the sensational NANA. Paul Muni, the great Polish actor who specialized in playing great men of history (seemingly taking the place of the elderly English stage-trained George Arliss) is terrific in his characterization of Emile Zola. It took Warners nearly a year to prepare the "Zola project". The screenplay went through various re-writes and a great deal of research was done to ensure historical accuracy; the result was a showcase for the unique Mr.Muni. The picture may seem a trifle dry, stodgy and drawn-out today, but it has long been esteemed as one of the greatest historical biographies Hollywood ever put on film. Variety called it "a vibrant, tense and emotional story about the man who fought a nation with his pen" It has followed not merely the spirit but, to a rare degree, the very letter of his life and of the historically significant lives around him. The racial theme involving the Jewish Dreyfus is tastefully handled; not once is the word "Jew" mentioned. The movie brought not only great financial success to Warner Bros., but prestige as well. And it solidified Muni's superstardom.Movie Review: A brilliant story as relevant today as ever
Summary: 5 Stars
To be honest, I rented this video to do some period costume research, but forgot all about that after getting involved in the story. Paul Muni portrays Zola most realistically, from his rise from the cramped, cold apartment of his early career to becoming the literary toast of France. And just when it seems that life is as good as it can be, along comes the "Dreyfus Affair" to challenge his conscience. All he has to do is keep quiet, and he can live a life of luxury right to the end. However, "all" becomes too much for the man who has spent his life developing the social conscience of his country through literature. Muni is brilliant in the role of Zola, and all the supporting cast give believable and stirring performances. This film holds you in its grip from start to finish, as it examines the worth of social institutions versus the lives of the people who uphold and venerate them, and sometimes become their victims. A definitely timeless piece of art.Movie Review: Another Muni Biographical Film
Summary: 4 Stars
It seems that Paul Muni must have liked playing famous men, because this isn't the first biographical film in which I have seen him. Muni stars as the famed French writer Emile Zola, a champion against social injustice. At first, I thought his performance was sort of hammy, but as the picture progressed, I ended up appreciating his humour, flair for the dramatic moment, and physical transformation. It's a memorable acting job. Equally memorable is Joseph Schildkraut as Captain Dreyfus, an army man that Zola defended against charges of treason. Schildkraut gives an emotional, touching performance as the man who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned. The film has something to say about the human condition, but avoids being preachy. It's a very good biography about a remarkable man.Movie Review: Excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always been an fan of Paul Muni, even though he was before my time. Every Muni film I have seen is excellent, this one is but one of them. It is highly recommended along with "The Good Earth", "I Am A Fugitive From A Chain-Gang", "Scarface", "The Story Of Louis Pasteur" just to name a few.