The Misfits

Black and white, 35 mm
USA, 1960, 124 min
Section: Tribute to John Huston (1906-1987)

Synopsis

In the attempt to save his marriage with Marilyn Monroe, the dramatist Arthur Miller wrote the screenplay for the film The Misfits, which John Huston was offered to shoot. What emerged from this, 45 years ago, was an absorbing drama of one woman, three men, wild mustangs, and the search for happiness, starring Clark Gable, Eli Wallach and Montgomery Clift alongside the delicate, flaxen blonde diva. This love story of ageing cowboy Gay and former stripper Roslyn who set off with friends in search of wild horses is one of Miller´s typical situations posing everyday heroes against tribulation as they try to hang on to at least a shadow of their illusions. In spite of outstanding acting performances, the fascinating cinematography of Russell Metty (Touch of Evil, Spartacus), and a captivating musical score, The Misfits was not a hit with movie-goers at the time of its release – perhaps because there is not much call for sincere attempts to break down the myth of the American West with somewhat somber tales of mottled characters.