This is an odd attempt by the great Jean Renoir to make a film noir. The script is not so good, but visually this film is dynamite, with wonderful photograpy by Leo Tover and Harry J Wild. Renoir did extensive retakes of many scenes, but was unable to get it right, unfortunately the film was severly cut by RKO for being too sensual and provocative. Whats left is great, a tormented husband, his unfaithful wife and her lover, who isnt convinced the husband is blind. The story is made dramtic by Renoir, and his careful direction makes the rather badly written characters interesting. The acting by Robert Ryan and Joan Bennett is very exellent, and Charles Bickford is both brutal and sensitive as the husband. The film has dramatic music by Hanns Eisler and despite having laughable dialogue in some scenes it is definately worth watching. The work of a great cinematic artist.
Review of The Woman on the Beach
