I recently picked this up for $5 on DVD, and let me tell you folks: It was five bucks very well spent. I'm very surprised that this movie isn't very well known today, as it certainly deserves much more recognition.
First off, the story somehow manages to seem current even in our modern times. It truly is a timeless story about corruption, greed and how we really are just sheep to the media.
Really though, this film is character driven. "Lonesome" Rhodes is the whole movie; it's his life, his rise and his fall. Andy Griffith, who until now I knew only as Matlock, give an absolutely amazing performance as the simple country boy as he slowly becomes corrupted with power. He creates one of the most interesting characters that I think I've ever seen, on so many levels. The cast of the cast are incredible as well, especially Patricia Neal and Walter Matthau. His speech at the end of the film was spectacular.
Last but not least, the directing. Elia Kazan really does a great job here, using some great metaphors and creating a great noir-esquire atmosphere. A slight flaw was the very fast pacing near the first, but it was really nothing major. We didn't get to see as much of Pickett as I would have liked but as I said, it's no biggie.
Overall, this film is really incredible. Amazing acted, written and directed, I think it's a must see for anyone.
9/10
First off, the story somehow manages to seem current even in our modern times. It truly is a timeless story about corruption, greed and how we really are just sheep to the media.
Really though, this film is character driven. "Lonesome" Rhodes is the whole movie; it's his life, his rise and his fall. Andy Griffith, who until now I knew only as Matlock, give an absolutely amazing performance as the simple country boy as he slowly becomes corrupted with power. He creates one of the most interesting characters that I think I've ever seen, on so many levels. The cast of the cast are incredible as well, especially Patricia Neal and Walter Matthau. His speech at the end of the film was spectacular.
Last but not least, the directing. Elia Kazan really does a great job here, using some great metaphors and creating a great noir-esquire atmosphere. A slight flaw was the very fast pacing near the first, but it was really nothing major. We didn't get to see as much of Pickett as I would have liked but as I said, it's no biggie.
Overall, this film is really incredible. Amazing acted, written and directed, I think it's a must see for anyone.
9/10