It's a story that every American schoolchild knows well: Helen Keller, a young deafblind girl, is taught to understand the world and overcome her disabilities through the constant work of Anne Sullivan. At first, Helen is opposed to learning anything. But a miracle at a water pump opens her eyes (metaphorically) to the unseen universe. The story is so commonplace that it has become a cliche. However, Arthur Penn's The Miracle Worker transcends these to present the story in a way that feels fresh and original. There are three real reasons why this story works. The first two are Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan and Patty Duke as Anne Frank. Both had honed their performances through the crucible of the Broadway stage, perfecting them until they became second nature. The third reason why the film works is Arthur Penn's direction. The man knew that the heart of the story was the relationship between the two women, so he frequently stands back, rejects exploitative camera work and editing, and lets the two actresses ACT. The scene where the two of them battle over a meal is so authentic, so real that it almost transcends acting into an uncanny valley of reality. The film can be exhausting to watch. But ultimately, it is worth it.
8/10
0 Yorumlar