The Misfits

The name Marilyn Monroe still resonates with film fans around the world and is to a certain extent a symbol of American post-war cinema. Her involvement in film is associated with the legend of a versatile and talented actress who was limited in her career by Hollywood studios, who imposed upon her roles of a naive and foolish blonde, despite her desire for more significant character roles. Here she had a unique opportunity to showcase her talent, and the result is tragic, even though those around her, led by her husband as the screenwriter, did their utmost to accommodate her. Arthur Miller even considered the film to be a grand gift to his wife. She repaid him with constant conflicts on set, hysterical outbursts, and chronic tardiness. Even on screen, it is evident that was not able to carry her part, despite the support of others. No, her capabilities were best suited for typecast roles, such as the sweet Sugar in Some Like It Hot. The Misfits is a film about the definitive end of the West as a territory of cowboys, cows, and freedom. The cowboys in the film survive as car mechanics or perform rodeo shows for the curious. They are not interested in romance, and they are ready to cash in on the last remaining herd of wild mustangs in the area, which represents a symbol of independence in a world bound by rules and obligations. Typically, I find fault with the script, which is saved by the performances of the talented actors. Here, I must praise the script, but despite the interesting cast, there seems to be a lack of chemistry, and instead of feeling a connection, it seems like they were actually ready to slap each other. Overall impression: 65%. (13/05/2017)

The Misfits is one of the very popular breakout films. The main trio of Gable, MM, and Clift were at the end of their rope, as was the era in which wild horses lived free on the plains of Nevada. There's something symbolic about it that motivates viewers to come back again and again. Still, some perspective in the evaluation wouldn’t hurt. (23/09/2021)

While watching this film, I kept feeling at odds with the acting performances of the actors portraying the main characters. Only after the movie did I find out that Clark Gable died of a heart attack shortly after he finished working on this movie. Marilyn snorted pretty much anything that was available and the whole thing was topped by a whole number of other actors who I probably don’t even want to talk about. The whole thing seems quite rough for early 1960s and even the characters aren’t too lovable and you won’t be watching them with any interest. Too bad that John Huston encountered the actors at a bad time in their life because they managed to fuck up a good premise with their arrogance. (17/04/2017)