FILM: Of Human Bondage
YEAR: 1934
DIRECTOR: John Cromwell
STARRING: Bette Davis, Leslie Howard
PRODUCTION COMPANY: RKO Radio Pictures
Based on the W. Somerset Maugham book of the same title, Of Human Bondage tells the story of a shy and crippled medical student who is infatuated with a vile waitress named Mildred. It's a dark tale that explores obsession and the despair that often follows suit. Leslie Howard, known to all for his performance of Ashley in Gone with the Wind, a part that would come several years later, plays the heart-struck Philip Carey, who beyond all logic, pines after the contemptuous Mildred, who is played by a young Bette Davis. Though Davis belonged to Warner Brothers, the studio company ultimately allowed her to play the part for their rival, RKO. And what a part it was. Davis is a force in this film, meeting the demands of the character with courage and grit. She is not a character to like, but is certainly one that's fun to watch. Howard excels as Philip Carey in a very different sort of way, with a melancholy and desperation that the part requires, and the viewer is left haunted by both.
What I find most thrilling about this film, besides the acting, which is more than enough to recommend it, is the camerawork. Throughout the film, the actors look straight at the camera, forcing an intimacy that feels raw and at times uncomfortable. However, this intimacy allows viewers to embrace the full force of emotion to which the characters feel and the actors demonstrate. I rarely see it in films from the early 30s. The film would look and feel much different without that approach.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: The acting!
WHEN YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: It's a quiet film with a lot of power. Perfect for a Sunday night when there are no football games on.
FINAL POINT(S): Shout-out to Max Steiner who did the score. He's a favorite of mine from the era. Later remakes were done, but this version was by far the best.
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