This movie has everything.
A great script - which adapts Victor Hugo's classic novel about intolerance for difference as a tale of the German persecution of the Jews under Hitler. Victor Hugo's novel, like the rest of his best work, played off powerful contrasts, beauty and ugliness, goodness and evil. This movie knows how to make use of those strong oppositions very effectively.
Some great acting, principally that by Charles Laughton, certainly, but also Thomas Mitchell - who had a great year in 1939 - and several of the other supporting players.
The camera work and the lighting is often astoundingly effective and creative. Even as a silent movie this would be very powerful.
I don't know how many times I have seen this movie. But each time I see it, I marvel at the quality of the craftsmanship.
A great script - which adapts Victor Hugo's classic novel about intolerance for difference as a tale of the German persecution of the Jews under Hitler. Victor Hugo's novel, like the rest of his best work, played off powerful contrasts, beauty and ugliness, goodness and evil. This movie knows how to make use of those strong oppositions very effectively.
Some great acting, principally that by Charles Laughton, certainly, but also Thomas Mitchell - who had a great year in 1939 - and several of the other supporting players.
The camera work and the lighting is often astoundingly effective and creative. Even as a silent movie this would be very powerful.
I don't know how many times I have seen this movie. But each time I see it, I marvel at the quality of the craftsmanship.