Wednesday, June 14, 2006
O'NEILL AGAIN
One of those quirks of the Best Film list supported by the fact that both yesterday's and today's O'neill films begin with the word 'Long'
Long Day's Journey Into Night (1962)
is one of O'neill's masterpieces.
I saw it when it was produced on Broadway with Frederic March and Florence Eldridge; Bradford Dillman and Jason Robards Jr and directed by José Quintero. Actually seen in its Boston run.
This filmed version is directed by Sydney Lumet and has Katherine Hepburn and Ralph Richardson; Dean Stockwell and Jason Robards Jr. Robards made a career out of O'neill parts.
This production is beautifully handled and is not done in by the cinematography. The use of closeups is a bit extreme and tends to dilute the ensemble playing but this is a nit.
There is not a lot to say. The Tyrone family have their way with each other and sink into the darkness.
It is a wonderful play and a great production and is worth much more than a 5 out of Netflix5.
