Written on the Wind
Posted by martinteller on June 12, 2007
Sirk elevates melodrama to something exciting, with a dazzling sense of style (especially with his use of Technicolor and music) and a master’s ability to draw you in. The use of mirrors and reflections is also stunning. This one isn’t as compelling to me as All That Heaven Allows was… I don’t think it has quite the same subversive quality, but it’s still really good. Any scene with Dorothy Malone sizzles and pops off the screen, and really there isn’t a bad or pointless scene in the whole movie. Sirk really pushes the limits of the Hayes code, but does it with skill and elegance. I was hoping I’d like this just a little bit more, but it was emotionally riveting and I’m satisfied. Rating: 8
