Watch The Misfits

The Misfits is a classic American drama film released in 1961, directed by John Huston and starring the iconic trio of Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Montgomery Clift. The movie’s title is a reference to the central characters, who are all “misfits” in some way or another, living on the fringes of mainstream society.

Set in the wide open spaces of the Nevada desert, the film tells the story of four very different people thrown together by circumstance. Gable plays the rugged cowboy Gay Langland, who makes his living rounding up wild mustangs for commercial purposes. He is approached by a feisty divorcée, Roslyn Tabor (Monroe), who is looking for adventure and a sense of purpose in a life marked by disappointment and tragedy.

Roslyn is not alone in her search for something more meaningful. Clift plays the sensitive and introspective rodeo rider, Perce Howland, who has been struggling to come to terms with his life choices and the pressures of being a professional athlete. Alongside them is Gable's fellow cowboy and best friend, Guido (Eli Wallach), who brings his own particular brand of humor and wisdom to the mix.

The plotline of the movie revolves around the intersecting journeys of these four disparate characters, as they contend with various challenges, both external and internal. Roslyn is the central figure around whom the others orbit, and her influence on each of them is profound – whether it’s teaching Gay to open up emotionally and embrace deep connection, pushing Perce to confront his own sense of vulnerability and sacrifice, or reminding Guido of the importance of living in the moment.

What makes The Misfits so compelling is the way it combines elements of classic American Westerns with more nuanced, character-driven drama. The movie is set against a backdrop of stunning desert landscapes, with long shots of horseback riding and cattle-rustling that evoke the sweeping, epic quality of classic Westerns. But at the same time, the film is steeped in the human drama of the characters, as they grapple with questions of identity, loneliness, and existential angst.

At the center of the movie are the performances of Gable, Monroe, and Clift, all at various stages of their storied careers. Gable, in one of his final roles, gives a performance that’s both gruff and tender, tapping into the vulnerability that lies beneath Gay’s rugged exterior. Monroe, for her part, delivers one of her most complex and layered performances, imbuing Roslyn with a sense of tragic depth that was absent from most of her earlier film roles. And Clift, as always, manages to convey an almost unbearable sense of sensitivity and inner turmoil, injecting the movie with a sense of intellectual depth that elevates it beyond simple genre fare.

Despite the star power on display, however, The Misfits was not a commercial or critical success upon its release. Some critics found the movie too slow-moving and introspective, while others criticized the script’s tendency towards overwrought melodrama. There were also reports of tension on the set between Huston and Monroe, whose own personal struggles with addiction and mental health were beginning to take their toll.

In the years since its release, however, The Misfits has come to be regarded as an underrated gem of American cinema. Its themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems hostile and indifferent continue to resonate with viewers. Meanwhile, the performances of Gable, Monroe, and Clift stand as a testament to their talents and the enduring impact they had on the film industry.

Overall, The Misfits is a compelling, emotionally resonant film that defies easy categorization. Part Western, part character study, and part elegy for a bygone era, it’s a movie that rewards multiple viewings and thoughtful reflection. Above all, it’s a testament to the power of great actors and visionary directors to craft indelible works of art that stand the test of time.

The Misfits is a 1961 western with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.