John Huston Directs The Misfits
Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift, Arthur Miller
Monroe and Gable's last film, it's a memorable one with strong performances and a compelling story.
The Misfits, 1961, is mostly famous for being the last film completed by Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. However, penned by Arthur Miller, it's more than respectable on its own; it has incredible writing, some dynamic performances and more than a few philosophically poignant scenes.
The Story
Monroe opens the film as a new divorcee, Roslyn, feeling at loose ends. She and her friend (Thelma Ritter) wind up at a bar with pilot Guido (Eli Wallach) and his cowboy friend Gay (Clark Gable). Before long, they're back at Guido's house on a ranch where Gay lives. Though not originally attracted to him, Roslyn decides to stay on at the ranch with Gay. The two of them seem to genuinely appreciate the other's company, though not a single male in the film goes without comparing Roslyn to sunshine, the joy of life or all the happiness a man could want in his life. The repetitive comments aren't without consequences--certain characters prove to be less than they seem.
Emotional Turmoil
Gay and Guido get the idea to wrangle some wild mustangs for money, but need to find a third hand to help. They drive into town to find Perce, (Montgomery Cleft), happy to help if they get him into the rodeo (the dangers of which almost completely unravel Roslyn). Roslyn's sensitivity is constantly on display, from arguing with Gay about killing a rabbit to sobbing hysterically when she watches Perce get bucked from his ride at the rodeo. It slowly affects those around her, mostly endearing them to her, though her new boyfriend Gay will be the last to relent. It can only be imagined how well she'll take to the idea of wrangling wild mustangs when she learns they're going to be used for dogfood, and it's this very discussion that brings about near-disaster.
Impressive Dialogue
The film has endless great lines for each of its characters and it has plenty to say about the choices one makes in life. Gay's biggest excuse for his actions is that he has no control over what others do, even if he knows his actions are partly responsible. Though he may change his ways, he makes quite a show about getting there on his own terms. Roslyn, too, is unafraid to make bold choices, telling her soon-to-be-ex at the start of the film (who's never around), "If I'm going to be alone, I'd rather be by myself."
Moving, Poignant Moments
The film has a fairly simple premise, but it has some very insightful moments. Some may occur at drunken moments, happen as offhand remarks, ("One thing about this town, it's always full of interesting strangers,") but just once in a while they are given their full due in a speech, as when Gay tells Roslyn, "You know, sometimes when a person don't know what to do, the best thing is to just stand still." Two of the characters go through profound learning experiences, yet another takes nothing new away--only continues to scheme for his own desires, hidden successfully for so much of the film.
John Huston's film survives the years very well. Gable was especially proud of his work. Miller wrote the screenplay while being divorced from his first wife and awaiting marriage to Monroe. Monroe, however, was less than crazy about the role of Roslyn, and found her to be the stereotypical dumb blonde, the role she could never seem to escape. She plays this role well, however, and though perhaps naive, one does not mistake Roslyn as dumb or ignorant. Overall, it's safe to say that the engaging character interactions and the sharp dialogue will keep this film alive for years to come.
