War and Peace (Italian: Guerra e pace) (1956)
Director: King Vidor
Watched: 8/1/19
Rating: 3/5 stars
From so many adaptations,
in so many formats,
here’s the too-long-for-most-viewers,
but too-short-not-to-cut-crucial-corners
feature film version;
I hear a euphonious soundtrack,
but I see:
An always stunning Audrey Hepburn,
a Henry Fonda in his prime,
a prince played by Mel Ferrer,
a formidable supporting cast,
dazzling costumes,
magnificent cinematography.
A love letter to Russia,
stunning landscapes,
nature in all seasons,
an examination of Napoleon Bonaparte,
philosophical ponderings,
existentialist abstractions,
war psychology,
social psychology,
the ravages of war,
the power of kind hearts.
Lavish mansions,
beautiful horses,
a full moon and balcony,
a grand ball,
a thrilling fox hunt,
a peaceful monastery.
Vicious battlefields,
copious artillery,
impressive generals,
fierce combat,
wounded soldiers,
heinous executions.
Families at their worst,
families at their best,
love affairs that inspire,
love affairs that infuriate,
occasions to celebrate,
tragedies to accept,
friendships to emulate,
characters to understand.
Before and after,
civilization and wilderness,
day and night,
defeat and victory,
despair and hope,
life and death,
lovers and enemies,
poverty and wealth,
summer and winter,
war and peace.
King Vidor’s noble attempt to honor Tolstoy,
a pleasure to watch and a story that rouses,
but still another film that falls short of the book.