Watch The Fugitive Kind
- Approved
- 1960
- 1 hr 59 min
-
7.1 (7,328)
The Fugitive Kind is a 1960 American film based on Tennessee Williams' play Orpheus Descending. This film is directed by Sidney Lumet, and stars Marlon Brando, Joanne Woodward, and Anna Magnani in the lead roles. The Fugitive Kind is a story that revolves around the character of Val Xavier, played by Marlon Brando, who is a troubled and charismatic drifter. He arrives in a small Southern town and starts working at a dry goods store owned by Lady Torrance (played by Anna Magnani). Lady Torrance is married to Jabe (played by Victor Jory), who is a wealthy and unscrupulous businessman.
As Val begins to work at Lady Torrance's store, he attracts the attention of her young and bored employee, Carol Cutrere (played by Joanne Woodward). Carol is immediately drawn to Val's mysterious, dark, and stoic personality, and a forbidden romance starts between them. Val and Lady Torrance also share a connection as both are outsiders in the town and have a common experience of being ostracized by the locals.
However, as Val tries to make a life for himself in the town, he starts to face many challenges. His troubled past catches up with him, and he is forced to confront his demons before he can move forward with his life. The small Southern town is also not prepared for a man like Val, and his unconventional ways start to ruffle the feathers of the established order. Jabe, Lady Torrance's husband, goes on an unrelenting crusade to destroy Val and chase him out of town. The resulting drama, turmoil, and tragedy make for a gripping and poignant tale.
The Fugitive Kind is a beautifully crafted film that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The movie is also a visual treat- the cinematographer Boris Kaufman captures the essence of the small town and its inhabitants with excellent visual storytelling. The film's pace and dialogue are slow, measured, and thoughtful. This pace creates an atmosphere where the audience can really feel the weight of the situations that the characters are facing.
The performances in this film are also top-notch. Marlon Brando's portrayal of Val Xavier is nuanced and layered. He brings out the conflicting emotions of the character with subtle facial expressions and excellent body language. Anna Magnani is also brilliant as Lady Torrance, giving a touching and heartfelt performance. Joanne Woodward is captivating as Carol Cutrere, the girl who is drawn towards Val despite knowing about his dark past.
Overall, The Fugitive Kind is an engaging, character-driven film that explores themes of love, loneliness, and redemption. Sidney Lumet's artistic direction, the excellent and nuanced performances, the lush cinematography, and the poignant screenplay come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. If you are a fan of Tennessee Williams' work, or if you enjoy character-driven dramas, then The Fugitive Kind is a must-watch film.
The Fugitive Kind is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.