On D List of Movie Reviews

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The Defiant Ones (1958)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 7/21

7/21: The Defiant Ones is a longtime classic about racial harmony that I hadn't seen until now.

As much as I want to like the film, it hasn't aged well and can be dull at times. I'm surprised at the Oscar wins for Best Writing and Best Cinematography. Some of the dialogue is corny. There's an apparent formula happening. Stanley Kramer should have focused more on action instead of talk which is the reason why The Fugitive worked so well.

The Defiant Ones is more well known for Sidney Poitier than Tony Curtis. Both were nominated for Best Actor with Sidney Poitier being the first black person ever to earn it. However, I have to say Tony Curtis gives a strong performance while his co-star is merely fine.

Unfortunately, I can see their stunt doubles, especially on the rapids, but they did all of the hard work in the clay pit and elsewhere. The train scene is dramatic. They described the filming experience as the most physically exhausting of their careers. By the way, Sidney Poitier can't sing a lick in real life.

All in all, I concede The Defiant Ones was ahead of its time and should be watched no matter what, but it has lost a lot of luster by now.

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