Talented casts have always been a big reason for seeing any film for me, that and good premises/concepts being the two most common reasons in determining whether to see the film in question or not. A talented cast 'Strangers When We Meet' certainly has, have always especially liked Walter Matthau. It was also interesting to see how it would fare covering a daring subject, to portray on film that is, like infidelity amidst the censorship limitations present at the time.
'Strangers When We Meet' generally does a good job on this front and came over to me as a well above average film on its own merits with much to recommend, even if it is something that is not going to work for everybody. There was definitely room for more depth and the subject to be explored more, but, considering the censorship limitations (which is what got in the way of that being achieved), that it did manage to have a final act that had a truth that was thought-probing and also appropriately uncomfortable and be mostly much more than soap opera is quite remarkable.
It didn't really have that much wrong with it. For me, the only big problem was the music, especially with the end song it struck me as far too syrupy and instead of adding to or highlighting any bittersweetness or emotion it over-emphasised it and felt like it belonged in a different, the frothier and more sentimental kind, film.
Either Ernie Kovacs' subplot could have been given more focus or written out, because it did feel under-cooked, giving it a blandness. A shame because Kovacs actually comes off very well here and does give his character charm. The pacing could have done with more kick in places.
However, 'Strangers When We Meet' is a great-looking film. The photography especially exudes glossy (but not overly so) glamour, the colours and even more so the landscapes are also a feast for the eyes and the photography is largely to thank for that. Richard Quine is a hit and miss director, though more of his work needs to be seen, but he acquits himself with style and taste here, not inspired but distinguished. The script has its sudsy moments but it is sophisticated and thought-provoking mostly, with the final act managing a surprising sharp painful honesty (like with Felix).
A vast majority of the time, the story does compel with the pace not dragging and it didn't to me get too melodramatic or like it was trying to do too much. As said before, there was room for more depth but the subject is remarkably not trivialised or sugar-coated (the final act especially would not have resonated as much as it did or felt uncomfortable if it was either of those things), nor depicted in a way that's biased. Yet it is also done in a way that's both entertaining and charming, as well as relaxing to watch. The cast are all exemplary, with the lead roles being beautifully played by Kirk Douglas and Kim Novak, who share a scintillating chemistry together, and a lecherous Walter Matthau expertly stealing the film.
Overall, good film and does well with its subjects considering the time's limitations. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Strangers When We Meet' generally does a good job on this front and came over to me as a well above average film on its own merits with much to recommend, even if it is something that is not going to work for everybody. There was definitely room for more depth and the subject to be explored more, but, considering the censorship limitations (which is what got in the way of that being achieved), that it did manage to have a final act that had a truth that was thought-probing and also appropriately uncomfortable and be mostly much more than soap opera is quite remarkable.
It didn't really have that much wrong with it. For me, the only big problem was the music, especially with the end song it struck me as far too syrupy and instead of adding to or highlighting any bittersweetness or emotion it over-emphasised it and felt like it belonged in a different, the frothier and more sentimental kind, film.
Either Ernie Kovacs' subplot could have been given more focus or written out, because it did feel under-cooked, giving it a blandness. A shame because Kovacs actually comes off very well here and does give his character charm. The pacing could have done with more kick in places.
However, 'Strangers When We Meet' is a great-looking film. The photography especially exudes glossy (but not overly so) glamour, the colours and even more so the landscapes are also a feast for the eyes and the photography is largely to thank for that. Richard Quine is a hit and miss director, though more of his work needs to be seen, but he acquits himself with style and taste here, not inspired but distinguished. The script has its sudsy moments but it is sophisticated and thought-provoking mostly, with the final act managing a surprising sharp painful honesty (like with Felix).
A vast majority of the time, the story does compel with the pace not dragging and it didn't to me get too melodramatic or like it was trying to do too much. As said before, there was room for more depth but the subject is remarkably not trivialised or sugar-coated (the final act especially would not have resonated as much as it did or felt uncomfortable if it was either of those things), nor depicted in a way that's biased. Yet it is also done in a way that's both entertaining and charming, as well as relaxing to watch. The cast are all exemplary, with the lead roles being beautifully played by Kirk Douglas and Kim Novak, who share a scintillating chemistry together, and a lecherous Walter Matthau expertly stealing the film.
Overall, good film and does well with its subjects considering the time's limitations. 7/10 Bethany Cox