Make Way For Tomorrow (rewatch)
Posted by martinteller on August 28, 2010
Another iffy Criterion purchase. Even more so than Pygmalion, because I only gave this one an 8 the first time. Is it a keeper? Yes, but barely. I can’t put my finger on why this movie doesn’t quite thrill me. It’s masterfully complex, where every character is sympathetic, even when they’re being awful. The performances are all terrific (Victor Moore overdoes the waddling a bit, though), the movie defies Hollywood expectations, and the ending is utterly, completely devastating. I guess I would feel stronger about it if it was more cinematically impressive, McCarey’s camerawork is very staid (much like Ozu, whose Tokyo Story is clearly influenced by this). It’s worth holding on to, I’m just not sure when I’d watch it again. Rating: 8
