For some reason, “The Misfits” doesn’t seem like Marilyn Monroe’s last movie; probably because of the publicity received by “Something’s Got to Give” (1962, unfinished.)  It is, along with Clark Gable’s final performance, who died from a heart attack before it was released  (1960.)

Montgomery Clift would also die five years later (1966); Thelma Ritter in 1967.  The sole survivor for many years was Eli Wallach, who passed away in 2014.

The opening credits: Jigsaw puzzle pieces not fitting together describes the characters shown against Alex North’s moody score.

The screenplay by Arthur Miller was written especially for his wife, Marilyn.  By the time, filming commenced, Miller and Monroe weren’t on speaking terms.  Divorce was imminent.

The role of Roslyn Taber was meant to be her breakthrough dramatic performance.  What emerged?

Monroe seems exhausted at times.  The combination of drugs, Nevada’s extreme heat and her marriage falling apart took its toll.

There are moments of brilliance…

Monroe’s seething anger boiling over at the men during the “mustanging” episode…

The stark backdrop of the Nevada desert…

The black & white cinematography, considered old-fashioned at the time, is more beautiful than ever.

Of the love relationship between MM and Gable as Gay Langland…it seems almost like father/daughter, doesn’t it?

 

Eli Wallach (center) broods over his empty life.

 

Co-star Montgomery Clift poses with Marilyn.

 

Best performance – Montgomery Clift as Perce Howland.  Clift’s face was left partially paralyzed by an auto accident in 1956.  Although he started off as a matinee idol, the accident forced him to become a better actor.  While filming Clark Gable’s scene, where he reacts angrily at Roslyn, it was real anger at Clift who thought he was upstaging him.

“Misfits” ends anti-climatically.  The real finish is Gable’s monologue…

“Damn ’em all.  They changed it, changed it all around.  Smeared it all over with blood.  I’m finished with it.  It’s like ropin’ a dream.  I just gotta find another way to be alive, that’s all.  If there is one anymore.”

For whatever reason, “The Misfits” was shut-out at Oscar time, receiving none.

Time has been kind, however and today many rank it as a film of great importance, if only for being the end of an era.  I think it’s more than that.  Towards the conclusion, Gay describes the horses as “chicken-feed horses, misfits.”

Likewise, this makes a larger statement about the characters; people who simply don’t fit in, who can’t find their way in society and are marginalized.  Back in ’61, critics didn’t know what to make of it.  Now it’s easier to accept conformity.

Except how many movies from 1961 are still being discussed?  And does its difference make it last?

There’s some argument about when Hollywood’s “Silver Age” began.  Most critics cite “Bonnie & Clyde” (1967.)  I say “Psycho” (1960.)  There’s little argument when Hollywood’s “Golden Age” ended with “The Misfits”.

Text © 2019 – EricReports