MovieChat Forums > The Killing of Sister George (1968) Discussion > What I don't like about this movie...

What I don't like about this movie...

posted 11 years ago by cookiela2001
3 replies | jump to latest

Of course the acting by Beryl Reed is fantastic, but

1.) Why do they have to make the relationship between George + Childy so strangely about erotic Dominance/Submission, with the "eat the cigar butt" scene? Isn't that just sort of thrown in there to be sensationalistic, i.e. to make homosexual relations seem more creepy to a mass (heterosexual) audience? Is that scene in the play?

2.) George is eventually kind of grating, with her shrill attacks on everyone, and the burning of her professional bridges. It's kind of like, "Why should we care about you losing your job if you're not invested in lining another one up?"

Anyway, those were the two aspects that I found annoying. And by this I don't mean to take anything away from Reed's amazing performance. It's more about the writing.

[–] knight-in-black-leather 11 years ago

I actually found Beryl Reid's acting to be quite annoying at times because she over-acted in places.. Also, I never felt empathy or sympathy for her character because she was such a nasty person. I was happy to see Childy get away from her in the end.

Lastly, I found the film too long and boring. I'm sure it must have been quite a controversial/groundbreaking film at the time of its release, but sadly it does not hold up well, IMHO.

"This is a faithful saying...Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

[–] rascal67 10 years ago

I actually found Beryl Reid's acting to be quite annoying at times because she over-acted in places. Also, I never felt empathy or sympathy for her character because she was such a nasty person.
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Overstated rather than over-acted. Poor to average actors can over-act, due to their limited talent\skills. Reid was obnoxious and loud; but she is was also a very good actress, even terrific at times here. George had integrity and was desperately trying to hold onto her dignity, in spite of the change that was going on around her. Reid was portraying a 'bitter' woman, who was her own worst enemy and losing a grasp on things. She wasn't calling the shots professionally and 'unfortunately' for her, some of the people that were, could be just as 'nasty'. Childie, was just as manipulating and was only using George, until something better came along. They could all be considered 'reproachable'.

I found the film too long and boring. I'm sure it must have been quite a controversial/groundbreaking film at the time of its release, but sadly it does not hold up well
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What makes this a charmer for me, is the dated look and aspect of it's presentation. The fact that it is 'sensationalist', it still takes a frank look at lesbianism in parts and viewed as a time capsule, it still holds plenty of value and quality. It was made by the same director as BABY JANE-62' and that has a similar style and presentation about it and both films were attempting to be as shocking as they could be, with what the era would allow them.

[–] rascal67 10 years ago

Isn't that just sort of thrown in there to be sensationalistic, i.e. to make homosexual relations seem more creepy to a mass (heterosexual) audience?
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The film was designed to be 'sensationalistic' and since the topic of homosexuality\lesbianism was taboo in most of the sheep's eyes, they had to make it appear sinister, so it could be perceived as more palatable. Even the title, while metaphoric, makes it sound like it is something thrilling. They even made Mercy Croft's seduction of Childy, sinister.

In spite of the exaggerated presentation, the scene in the lesbian club gave the film some realness and a bit of balance, as this was presented as a community atmosphere, that many could relate to and while mainly butch women were presented, it could have also be seen as 'normal' too. It was also easier on the audience, to see all these women dancing with each other, than if it was 'men'.