On R List of Movie Reviews
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The Robe (1953)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
1/16
1/16:
The trouble with The Robe, which is the first film released in the widescreen process called CinemaScope, is how flat it is.
The story is a bit ridiculous, and the scenes can be camp. Yet The Robe is responsible for beginning the new trend
of Biblical/Roman epics that'll see Quo Vadis, Spartacus,
The Ten Commandments, and Ben-Hur come to life.
What's impressive about Richard Burton is that most actors in his place would've crumbled under the weight given
the beautiful cinematography and the daunting task of standing alone amidst the vast space. So, that's why he was awarded an
Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
On the other hand, it's strange to see Victor Mature here, making a transition from black-and-white noir pictures of the
40's. Awkward and lumbering, he looks out of place and thus doesn't belong. As a matter of fact, his role was intended for Burt
Lancaster.
All in all, fair or not, The Robe is wholly underwhelming, lacks a great deal of action, and is devoid of power compared
to Spartacus,
The Ten Commandments, and Ben-Hur.