Turning Point, The (1977)
“I don’t believe in being sorry; we are what we are.”
“I don’t believe in being sorry; we are what we are.”
[Note: The following review is of a non-Guide for the Film Fanatic title; click here to read more.]
“You’ve got to understand, honey: no man is strong enough to buck the party, no matter how much he wants to make his wife happy.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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“You know I discovered the use of ether, don’t you?”
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Review: Regardless of the film’s overall uneven approach to the material, however, you’re almost guaranteed to get caught up in the tale being told. While Dr. Morton’s story is presented from an unequivocally sympathetic point of view (the opening title card alone lets you know what Sturges’ opinion is on the matter), you’ll likely find yourself questioning his motives nonetheless: what is the right thing to do in a case like this, where one’s breakthrough discovery has the potential to prevent an enormous amount of suffering in the world? Meanwhile, the issue of multiple hands and minds inevitably playing a part in any medical “discovery” is respectfully handled; it’s made eminently clear that, despite Morton’s noteworthy role in persisting with his experimentation until he finally achieves success, he was not working or thinking in isolation. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“I, a poor peasant, have conquered science; why can’t I conquer love?”
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Response to Peary’s Review: … and that “thoughtful” casting leads to even the smallest parts being “well written and played”. However, he ultimately argues that the “picture’s success” is primarily attributable to its “eerie visuals”, with the finale particularly “surreal”; and he notes that the entire affair possesses an overall “hard-edged poetic quality”, with a “haunting atmosphere… created by… imaginative use of the camera”. Indeed, one would expect nothing less from a film helmed by noted DP Karl Freund (whose American directorial debut was 1932’s The Mummy), and photographed in part by another noted DP, Gregg Toland. Peary’s review succinctly sums up the fine qualities of this most enjoyable “Grand Guignol” horror flick, one which afforded Peter Lorre his breakthrough role in American movies, and which remains a gruesomely absorbing tale of obsessive love. Peary is right to call out the performance by wide-eyed Drake (who co-starred the following year in The Invisible Ray); she’s a memorable heroine-in-distress, with more to do and say than Clive (whose character feels oddly underdeveloped, though Clive does a fine job showing his increasingly distraught state of mind). Meanwhile, the intermittent presence of a wisecracking reporter (Ted Healy) feels decidedly out of place, though I’m fond of the humorous character played by May Beatty as Gogol’s tippling housekeeper. But this is really Lorre’s show all the way: He takes the material and runs with it, managing to present his villain as vaguely sympathetic, despite his nefarious plans to win Drake at any cost (he does save children’s lives through surgery, after all!). Watch for his “disguise” in the second half of the film (see second still below) — kudos to whoever was responsible for its design! Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See? Categories
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“About her, I know even less. I don’t understand what is between them.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“I’d give a thousand dollars — to anyone — for a new idea — one that would attract an enormous crowd to our store.”
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Response to Peary’s Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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“How can a husband, who loves his wife, neglect her so!”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“We’ll just kidnap Manners and argue it out with him back at the Club.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
[Note: The following review is of a non-Peary title; click here to read more.]
“I am less than the slave who serves you — a wretched outcast — a thief.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See? Categories
(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die) Links: |
“I enlisted for war service only.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |