The Magnificent Ambersons

very stylised in terms of cinematography and direction and very much Orson Wells and is like a `baby cousin to Citizen Kane`. it is not in the same league as kane but every few films are. he always chosse great actors and people he trusted ie. joseph cotton and i love the thought and direction he wells put into his films. the intial phase of the film was slow and had lots of little scenes that require the viewer to be patient and i belive that then the pay off comes as the story begins to unfold. i really enjoyed it at the end. i am a big fan of Wells i appreciate that he was a maverick in terms of hollywood and celebrity. there are few picture starts of today who have his magnatisim and belief in the power of art with the exception of pacinio or de niro. worth a watch for lovers of real cinema.

Film was interesting but it has aged

Maybe in 1941 the phrase “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore” didn’t apply, because they didn’t. But now they do, or they did and it doesn’t.

Agnes Moorhead is the stand-out in this effort, otherwise, the idea of a snow scene filmed on a back lot in LA is captivating – but I am not at all clear as to what was missing or what might have been restored to make this a masterpiece.

I agree with those who regret the lost cuttings of this movie which was well shot, superbly acted and wonderfully narrated.

Welles introduced cinematic features which are common enough today, but were at the cutting edge of cinematography in 1942.

From the opening montage, through the beautiful (Oscar nominated) sets complete with ceilings to the harsh shots of the villain of the piece (Cinematography also Oscar nominated), all of which were innovations at that time.

The cast were very good, especially Anne Baxter and the excellent Agnes Moorehead who was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress in the role of a frustrated and devious maiden Aunt to the central villain.

Whilst there may be something missing from the plot line of this movie, it is still a good watch and it is a must see for film enthusiasts and Welles fans alike.

Not neccessarily the most magnificent film tha you will ever see, but certainly ambitious for its time.

Worth the money!

This, the follow up by Orson Welles to Citizen Kane, is almost comparable. It is compelling, intelligent, and beautifully filmed and acted; I would give it 6 stars if the studios had not butchered it while Welles was away, and 7 if Welles himself appeared, rather than just narrating.