"Written on the Wind" is an enjoyable piece of melodrama, though admittedly, for me, one of Sirk's weaker entries. Rock Hudson is billed as the lead, along side Lauren Bacall, and while they're the star power, the film rides on and belongs to Robert Stack (anxiety ridden, insecure, drunk-with-love best best friend of Hudson's character) and Dorothy Malone (sister of Stack's character).
Stack comes off strong, wearing his heart in his sleeve in some respects, but incredibly reserved in others; with repeated viewings and knowledge of the character given to you along the way, every decision the character makes is perfectly aligned with his past, considering his state of mind. Dorothy Malone is the single most exciting part of the film, flashy, promiscuous, speaks her mind, but holds out hope that Hudson's character will fall in love with her.
Hudson and Bacall, two terrific actors, weren't given great or even interesting roles, which ultimately weighs down on the film. Of course Sirk's films are all technicolor events, colors that pop, luscious music, so speaking negatively about well-rounded characters or performance is kind of a moot point (though still an important ingredient); it's all about heightened and physical emotion, taking an intimate or social issue, removing formality and exposing it for what it is.
Stack comes off strong, wearing his heart in his sleeve in some respects, but incredibly reserved in others; with repeated viewings and knowledge of the character given to you along the way, every decision the character makes is perfectly aligned with his past, considering his state of mind. Dorothy Malone is the single most exciting part of the film, flashy, promiscuous, speaks her mind, but holds out hope that Hudson's character will fall in love with her.
Hudson and Bacall, two terrific actors, weren't given great or even interesting roles, which ultimately weighs down on the film. Of course Sirk's films are all technicolor events, colors that pop, luscious music, so speaking negatively about well-rounded characters or performance is kind of a moot point (though still an important ingredient); it's all about heightened and physical emotion, taking an intimate or social issue, removing formality and exposing it for what it is.
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