MovieChat Forums > Gilda (1946) Discussion > from the TCM print it looks like this is...

from the TCM print it looks like this is in need of restoration

posted 18 years ago by danielj_old999
2 replies | jump to latest

and it certainly merits it...certainly few films have managed to create and sustain such a mood of erotic tension, and while GILDA has its flaws, this is what we go to entertainments for: to be placed in a situation of dynamic tension (erotic or otherwise) carefully and skilfully maintained for our enjoyment (however morally questionable that feeling may be!) (There is a reason why religious people have sought to keep their children from "entertainments"!)
An extremely well made film,wonderfully designed and directed, groundbreaking in the genre of film noir. Kudos to the wonderful performance of Stefan Geray, a great character actor who has never received his due.
I love the way Charles Vidor understood the tension between beauty and ugliness, check out the nightclub scene where the faces of Gilda and Langford are contrasted...the use of these tensions is something that has been forgotten by the Hollywood of today, much to its detriment.

[–] TexasGreek 18 years ago

It could be the actual source material. It really looks fine to me, and TCM always has the best prints, often times doing the restoration themselves.

There are some dreadfully filmed movies from even the 60's. Saw "That Touch of Mink" (1962) the other night, with Cary Grant and Doris Day. Always wondered if the awful print I had from my 1984 VHS release was just a bad quality print. Turns out, it really does look terrible, with the colors all washed out. A good film, however.

[–] drjukebox 13 years ago

Just watched it on Swedish television and it looked and sounded perfect, I am happy to report.