The Razor's Edge
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Movie Reviews of The Razor's Edge
Movie Review: Ambitious, but Flawed Adaptation
Summary: 4 Stars
This film has achieved "classic" status, yet it looks a bit shop-worn and creaky in some respects, when approached from a modern perspective. This is, overall, a highly stylized treatment of Maugham's novel. Scriptwriter Lamar Troti definitely focuses on the melodramatic elements of Larry Darrel's spiritual odyssey. Maugham was a highly realistic novelist. His subtle wit and sharp observations are buried under here in the moviemaker's wallowing in the bathetic.The performers, with the exception of Clifton Webb as Uncle Elliot and Herbert Marshall as Somerset Maugham, are decidedly from the "studied" school of drama. Tyrone Power, in particular, is at times painful to watch, especially in the scenes opposite Tierney. Such emoting might work on stage, but before a camera, the overblown gestures, lack of facial expression, and wooden delivery border on the farcical. Tierney is a delight to look at, but her emotive range is severely limited as well. She seems to have two modes: coquettish or angry. Sure, this stylized sort of performance was the order of the day in 40s Hollywood, but it looks really dated these days. And there were exceptions, even then. One can well imagine what actors the caliber of Olivier and Leigh would have done with the roles. Anne Baxter, who received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as the unfortunate Sophie, is also guilty of overacting, at least by naturalistic standards. She could have used a dose or two of Ibsen.
Which brings us to the two bright spots, performance wise. Clifton Webb probably would have won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, had he not received one two years earlier for his work in "Laura." His death bed scene, though maudlin as all get out, is nonetheless unforgettable. The man had a knack for line delivery. He made a character with despicable motives and questionable morals, somehow sympathetic, even loveable. Herbert Marshall delivers an understated, brilliant portrayal of author Maugham. As reviewer Bernie mentions, it's easy to make the mistake when we envision Maugham in our mind's eye as looking identical to Marshall. I thought the first time I viewed the film that it was Maugham playing the part, as it's not a polished or studied performance in the least. He acts as if he's too shy to actually face the camera in most scenes, which fits the character perfectly. Most of the time he is the half reluctant, frequently uncomfortable observer, standing on the perifery, making mental notes for his next novel. A great piece of acting.
Even though the lead actors turn in stagey performances and the script may not be true to the tone of Maugham's novel, the movie still "works" on many levels. It's too good a story to completely mess up. If you can accept it as a product of cinematic trends of the era and allow that audiences of the time bought into the concept that over emoting and over gesticulating was something screen stars were supposed to do, you may find, as I did, that this is still a very enjoyable film
BEK
Movie Review: Compelling Story
Summary: 5 Stars
I found the characters in this movie and the story of how their lives unfolded based on the choices they made compelling. The timeless questions that Larry searches for answers to insures that this movie will never be completely out-dated. I couldn't help compare this movie to "The Graduate" which I had seen recently. Benjamin in the graduate is also a young man questioning the values and life path that has been set before him. Benjamin seems like an immature spoiled brat to me compared with the way Larry's character in this movie deals with the crossroads of life though. If you could give half stars I would have taken off a half and rated this movie at 4 1/2 stars because there are some aspects as other reviewers mentioned that cause the movie to show its age. The obviously phoney backdrops and the English actors playing Indians. I think this can be overlooked if you concentrate instead on the story being told though.Movie Review: Great classic film!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Razor's Edge," is a great film. It has mystert, adventure, drama, and romance. It's a must see for Tyrone Power and Gene Tiereny fans.They make a great screen couple, passionate. It's an interesting film.
Movie Review: Overblown and Pompous.
Summary: 1 Stars
Well I gave this a try and was quite honestly bored to tears. The performances of all involved were overblown to the point of parody and the only relief was the dry ascerbic wit of Clifton Webb. The scenes of Tibet (?) were laughable with hokey backdrops and a fake Guhru. I suppose that for its time it had sincerity and believability, but even allowing for movie nostalgia, it is hard to swallow today. I got the impression that despite this being a tale of one man's quest for enlightenment the whole topic was so alien to both actors and production crew that they had no idea how to interpret it. Our hero, wanders the world with some vague perception that there is something more to life than the world of American commerce, but appears to have no focus or destination. He does not write, nor does he paint. He spends the night on a mountain and sees God in the light of dawn. It's that easy? Whoopee. I'm sorry but not all vintage movies on literary themes are good, and this is one of the worst.Movie Review: Paula Schaefer
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this movie when I was a teenager and I can still remember it as being one of the most powerful movies that left a lasting effect on me.I have suffered many chronic illnesses and the premis of this movie has helped me a great deal. Yes the movie is old, but the message is still there. I am delighted to find this movie for sale, as I have not found it in any local video stores and I have looked for years.