Gilda, 1946 - ★★★★

Belatedly celebrated The Criterion Channel’s first birthday with a noir from Columbia, since that’s how I kicked off the launch of the service (still one of the best around) a year ago.

Hayworth is radiantly provocative as Gilda, who it’s delectable to see take such pleasure in tormenting Glenn Ford’s Johnny, stoking his jealousy and pushing his buttons. George Macready’s stern manner and scarred face lands Ballin somewhere between von Stroheim and a Bond villain. The settings - mainly a ritzy casino and a luxurious mansion - mean there’s more glamour than grittiness to what the film offers visually, but the elegance of the production is in satisfying contrast with the bleakness inherent in the hard-boiled dialogue and shady characters.

Proper Review
Apr 11th 2020
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