“Elmer Gantry 1960” is a dramatic film that follows the rise of a charismatic but morally corrupt evangelist. With sharp performances by Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons, the film explores the seduction of power and the dangers of religious fervor. As Gantry becomes more successful, his dark past threatens to catch up with him and his downfall is inevitable. The film is a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy and corruption that can arise in the name of faith.
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Review
Elmer Gantry: A Masterpiece of American Cinema
In 1960, the world was introduced to a film, Elmer Gantry, that would leave an indelible mark on the American cinema. Adapted from a novel by Sinclair Lewis, this movie had everything that makes for great drama- a gripping storyline, incredible acting performances, and an uncanny ability to capture the zeitgeist of its times.
The Plot
The plot revolves around Elmer Gantry (Burt Lancaster), who is a charismatic but unscrupulous salesman. When he stumbles upon Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), a preacher with impressive oratory skills, he realizes that they can both benefit from each other’s talents. So they team up and embark on a journey to bring salvation to people through their sermons. But Elmer’s greed and thirst for power threaten to destroy everything he has built.
The Cast
Elmer Gantry is without doubt one of the best-cast films in the history of American cinema. Burt Lancaster delivers an award-winning performance as Elmer Gantry- his portrayal is so nuanced and layered that it becomes hard to distinguish where the character ends and where Lancaster begins. Other actors such as Jean Simmons (Sister Sharon Falconer) and Shirley Jones (Lulu Baines), also deliver powerful performances that stay with you long after you’ve finished watching the film.
History
The movie was released in 1960 when America was going through a period of great social change. The rise of televangelism had led to a renewed interest in religion, while at the same time many people were questioning traditional values. This created an ideal setting for a movie like Elmer Gantry which examines issues like faith, hypocrisy, and power- all factors that were being hotly debated at the time.
Score and Popularity
The score for Elmer Gantry was composed by André Previn, whose work was instrumental in creating the film’s haunting atmosphere. The score is a masterclass in sound design, seamlessly blending into the action on screen and heightening the emotions of the audience. The popularity of this movie was no secret- it received critical acclaim and went on to win four Academy Awards including Best Actor (Burt Lancaster) and Best Supporting Actress (Shirley Jones).
Filming
The movie was shot mostly on location in various parts of America, which give it an air of authenticity that is hard to achieve through studio settings. Director Richard Brooks also used natural light to create a more realistic feel to the film’s visuals.
Evaluation
When it comes to evaluating Elmer Gantry, it’s hard not to be bowled over by its sheer power and scope. This is a film that tackles big issues with a degree of sensitivity and thoughtfulness that is rare in Hollywood productions. It’s a movie that makes you think and feel deeply, asking questions about faith, morality, and ethics that are still relevant today.
Awards
Elmer Gantry won four Academy Awards out of its five nominations- Best Actor (Burt Lancaster), Best Supporting Actress (Shirley Jones), Best Adapted Screenplay (Richard Brooks), and Best Cinematography (John Alton). It also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Drama.
Cinematography
Cinematographer John Alton uses light and shadows to create an eerie atmosphere throughout the movie. He uses clever camera angles and close-ups to bring out the best in his actors’ performances while keeping the focus grounded in reality.
Opinion
Opinions differ when discussing Elmer Gantry- some believe it’s too preachy while others think it’s one of the greatest films ever made. However, what cannot be denied is its impact on American cinema- it paved the way for more thought-provoking films that tackled important social issues.
Scenes
There are many memorable scenes in Elmer Gantry that stay with you even after the movie has ended. One such scene is when Elmer, Sister Sharon, and Lulu are standing on a bridge watching a train pass by while discussing their futures. This moment is symbolic of the three characters’ journeys and what awaits them in the future.
Gossip
The movie was based on Sinclair Lewis’s novel of the same name, which caused a bit of controversy when it was first published. Many religious groups were offended by the way religion was portrayed in the book, and this controversy spilled over into the film’s production as well.
Soundtracks
André Previn’s haunting score for Elmer Gantry is one of the most iconic aspects of this film. It perfectly captures the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the story while creating an immersive atmosphere that draws viewers into its world.
Analysis
Elmer Gantry is more than just a story- it’s an analysis of human nature and society at large. The film explores themes like power and corruption, religion and faith, and love and loyalty- all concepts that are still relevant today.
Special Effects
While there weren’t any special effects used in this movie per se, director Richard Brooks used natural light to create an eerie atmosphere throughout Elmer Gantry. He also used clever camera angles to bring out his actors’ performances while keeping them grounded in reality.
Development
The development process for Elmer Gantry wasn’t smooth sailing- several studios passed on it before United Artists picked it up. However, once it was made, it quickly became a critical darling that went on to win multiple awards.
Dialogue
The dialogue in Elmer Gantry is some of the best ever written- you can quote almost every line from memory! The conversations between Burt Lancaster’s character (Elmer) and Jean Simmons’ character (Sister Sharon) are particularly gripping- their verbal sparring is a masterclass in acting.
Crews
The crew behind Elmer Gantry was a well-oiled machine that worked together to create something truly special. Director Richard Brooks, cinematographer John Alton, and composer André Previn all brought their A-game to the project, creating a movie that went beyond just entertainment.
Criticism
While Elmer Gantry received mostly positive reviews when it was released, some religious groups were offended by its portrayal of religion. They felt that the movie was too critical of organized religion and that it painted a negative picture of preachers.
Production
Elmer Gantry was produced by Bernard Smith and written and directed by Richard Brooks. Both men poured their hearts into this film, creating something that would stand the test of time.
Editing
The editing in Elmer Gantry is taut and precise, giving the film a sense of urgency throughout. The cuts are seamless, and there’s never a dull moment- each scene drives the plot forward without any wasted dialogue or action.
Conclusion
Elmer Gantry is a masterpiece of American cinema. It delivers on every front- gripping storylines, incredible acting performances, thought-provoking themes, and an iconic score that stays with you long after you’ve finished watching. It’s no surprise that it won multiple Academy Awards and Golden Globes- this movie deserves all the accolades it has received over the years. If you haven’t seen Elmer Gantry yet, do yourself a favor and watch it- you won’t be disappointed!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 146
- Release : 1960-07-07
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry, Jean Simmons as Sister Sharon Falconer, Arthur Kennedy as Jim Lefferts, Dean Jagger as William L. Morgan, Shirley Jones as Lulu Bains
- Crew : Richard Brooks as Screenplay, Richard Brooks as Director, André Previn as Original Music Composer, Edward Carrere as Art Direction, Robert J. Schiffer as Makeup Artist
- Popularity 9.351
- Budget : $3,000,000
- Revenue : $10,400,000
- Company : United Artists
- Summary : When hedonistic but charming con man Elmer Gantry meets the beautiful Sister Sharon Falconer, a roadside revivalist, he feigns piousness to join her act as a passionate preacher. The two make a successful onstage pair, and their chemistry extends to romance. Both the show and their relationship are threatened, however, when one of Gantry’s ex-lovers decides that she has a score to settle with the charismatic performer.
- Tagline : If there was a dollar to be made—Gantry would make it … If there was a soul to be saved—Gantry would save it …
