.....according to Wikipedia's summary of the book?
"Eddie settles down with Gwen in Connecticut as a liquor dealer and starts to write short stories."
....which makes sense to me. I have to say: I understand all the criticism directed at this film. It is 'schizophrenic' from a 'script/direction/editing' standpoint, to say the least. Also easy to see why Kazan lamented having Kirk Douglas, when he wanted Brando. But? No guarantees Brando would completely deliver. He was firmly entrenched in 'self direction' by then. Even some of his better perfs of the time fell flat. I'm thinking of "Golden Eye" and "The Chase".
Douglas sure tries. I was able to feel the characters anguish.
OK, for the record, with insanity, Alzheimers, etc in my family: and periods of self doubt I've had in my life? This film spoke to me. I believe I 'got' what Kazan was aiming for, even though he feels he 'missed'.
Not a great film, or even necessarily a good one. But if one understands the Eddie character, this film does work.
My two cents......
reply
share