"Gilda" may very well be one of the most unusual Hollywood films ever made. What exactly is the relationship among the three lead characters, Gilda, Johnny, and Ballin? How is Uncle Pio a key figure in the story? If you can unravel the threads to discover the answers to these two questions, then you're on your way to understanding this extremely complex, intriguing, yet highly entertaining cinematic gem.
The three leads, Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, and George Macready turn in what should have been award-winning performances. Rita is at her most seductiveness. She danced in a natural way that left little to the imagination. She understood her every movement and made every twist and turn tell a story. One of the most enchanting scenes in the entire film is when she strums the guitar and sings "Put The Blame on Mame" to a hypnotized Uncle Pio. The camera work under the direction of Rudolph Maté, dazzling throughout, is particularly noteworthy in this scene with just the right zooms and angles to capture the essence of the magic moment.
Glenn Ford as the sexually frustrated Johnny delivers one of his best acting jobs ever. Most viewers have experienced relationships that began with doubt and ambivalence but led to love. Johnny perceives Gilda at first as a dangerous rival and as a threat to his position of power and prestige provided him by Gilda's new husband, Ballin. Johnny was nothing but a two-bit hustler, a small time gambler, before Ballin saved him with his "Little Friend" from being robbed and maybe killed outside a gambling dive in Buenos Aires. Made his casino manager and possible successor, Ballin takes Johnny into his confidence, even giving him the combination to the safe in his office. Johnny sees Gilda as an interloper. Gilda views Johnny in much the same way, a threat to her new found wealth with her sugar daddy.
Ballin Mundson is arrogant and ambitious, seeking to actually rule the world through a business cartel involving the Germans. Set up during World War II, it is not quite clear if Ballin was in collusion with the Nazi's or if it was all just a business deal. Since he is now hiding out in South America, collaboration with the Nazi's is a possibility. Though he uses Gilda for decoration and exploitation, he obviously loves her to the point of obsession. She is his possession, not to be touched without his consent.
When it seems that Ballin has committed suicide, Johnny takes both the casino and Gilda. What seems to be mutual hate contaminates Gilda and Johnny's relationship to the point that Gilda becomes his prisoner. The viewer cannot imagine a happy ending for all this, but one does take place.
This cinema classic invites repeated viewings to unravel the motives and intentions of the three leading characters. At one point, Gilda hisses, "Hate is a very exciting emotion." But then so is love. While trying to understand exactly what is going on, savor the sensuous, titillating movements of a true screen goddess, Rita Hayworth.
The three leads, Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, and George Macready turn in what should have been award-winning performances. Rita is at her most seductiveness. She danced in a natural way that left little to the imagination. She understood her every movement and made every twist and turn tell a story. One of the most enchanting scenes in the entire film is when she strums the guitar and sings "Put The Blame on Mame" to a hypnotized Uncle Pio. The camera work under the direction of Rudolph Maté, dazzling throughout, is particularly noteworthy in this scene with just the right zooms and angles to capture the essence of the magic moment.
Glenn Ford as the sexually frustrated Johnny delivers one of his best acting jobs ever. Most viewers have experienced relationships that began with doubt and ambivalence but led to love. Johnny perceives Gilda at first as a dangerous rival and as a threat to his position of power and prestige provided him by Gilda's new husband, Ballin. Johnny was nothing but a two-bit hustler, a small time gambler, before Ballin saved him with his "Little Friend" from being robbed and maybe killed outside a gambling dive in Buenos Aires. Made his casino manager and possible successor, Ballin takes Johnny into his confidence, even giving him the combination to the safe in his office. Johnny sees Gilda as an interloper. Gilda views Johnny in much the same way, a threat to her new found wealth with her sugar daddy.
Ballin Mundson is arrogant and ambitious, seeking to actually rule the world through a business cartel involving the Germans. Set up during World War II, it is not quite clear if Ballin was in collusion with the Nazi's or if it was all just a business deal. Since he is now hiding out in South America, collaboration with the Nazi's is a possibility. Though he uses Gilda for decoration and exploitation, he obviously loves her to the point of obsession. She is his possession, not to be touched without his consent.
When it seems that Ballin has committed suicide, Johnny takes both the casino and Gilda. What seems to be mutual hate contaminates Gilda and Johnny's relationship to the point that Gilda becomes his prisoner. The viewer cannot imagine a happy ending for all this, but one does take place.
This cinema classic invites repeated viewings to unravel the motives and intentions of the three leading characters. At one point, Gilda hisses, "Hate is a very exciting emotion." But then so is love. While trying to understand exactly what is going on, savor the sensuous, titillating movements of a true screen goddess, Rita Hayworth.