Duel in the Sun (1947)

didn't know what to expect, wasn't disap

By Alex  Dec 18, 2000 | 1 out of 1 found this Duel in the Sun (1947) review helpful

What compelled me to watch "Duel" was its cameo appearance--dubbed into Spanish--in my favorite film of all time, Pedro Almodovar's "Matador". I understand Almodovar's interest, inspiration, and possible homage; the themes of sex and death tie these... films together unmistakably, particularly the peculiar situation of having to decide whether to embrace someone or kill him (or both). "Duel" is a fine specimen. The film is beautiful to my modern eyes, as one hopes it would be for the five million 1946 dollars it cost to make--more than any that came before. (One blemish is the needlessly offensive depiction of race, although it's perhaps no worse than other movies of the era.)Jennifer Jones, as the protagonist Pearl, plays beautifully, seductively, desperately, tragically. In fact, she spends the entire movie dancing, heaving, sweating, crying, and rolling around in the dirt. Some might call it overacting; whatever it is, I'm not complaining. If you are looking for subtlety, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for passion, drama, and the quest for personal liberation, this movie is for you. Read more Less