Mrs. Winemiller is crazy, alright, but not too crazy to see through Alma, and mean enough to enjoy baiting her daughter with sudden flashes of sane insight into Alma's nerves and humiliation. She makes fun of Alma for Alma's deeply felt and hidden love of her hell-raising neighbor (Laurence Harvey). Mrs. Winemiller sings "Alma's in love, Alma's in love" in front of other people, well aware that her daughter is deeply embarrassed by this revelation. It is very difficult to play crazy without eliciting laughter, but Una does it with an attitude of dignity and pathos in her cruel insanity in this difficult role. She is a complex character, and Una uses all of her considerable acting talent to bring a marvelous performance to the movie.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Una Merkel - Her Finest Moment
Mrs. Winemiller is crazy, alright, but not too crazy to see through Alma, and mean enough to enjoy baiting her daughter with sudden flashes of sane insight into Alma's nerves and humiliation. She makes fun of Alma for Alma's deeply felt and hidden love of her hell-raising neighbor (Laurence Harvey). Mrs. Winemiller sings "Alma's in love, Alma's in love" in front of other people, well aware that her daughter is deeply embarrassed by this revelation. It is very difficult to play crazy without eliciting laughter, but Una does it with an attitude of dignity and pathos in her cruel insanity in this difficult role. She is a complex character, and Una uses all of her considerable acting talent to bring a marvelous performance to the movie.
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Becky, Awesome review!! I'm suprised that I have not seen this film. I'm a huge fan of costumed romantic dramas. I hope TCM airs it soon.
ReplyDeleteBecky, I have no idea why the comments are not showing up. Hopefully, it will work it self out by tomorrow. :(
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