Gaslight

In 1940 Thorold Dickinson directed Gaslight starring  Anton Walbrook and Diane Wynyard, in which a husband drives his wife slowly insane while he scours the house looking for her late aunt's hidden jewels.  This was a great thriller, with wonderful acting and pacing.  Although, I discovered this treasure by mistake, thinking I was ordering the 1943 version which won Oscars for best actress and best art direction.  This raised the question, why remake a film after only three years of it's predisesor's release?  It must be better, it just must, I mean it won two Oscars right?  

I was very disappointed with 1944's Gaslight.  As in classic 1930/40s style it was very melodramatic almost to the point of annoyance and thought parts of it dragged on, for instance I would have been fine with Paula and Gregory's courtship being a deleted scene.  There was also a busy buddy neighbor who couldn't wait to get into the home where Paula's aunt was murdered.  I felt she added nothing to the story and just wasted screen time.   I love Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman and even they couldn't save it, despite their amazingly talented efforts.  I had such high expectations for this film and was slowly deflated like a balloon.  

Remake: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

 I have one question, who is Tinker, Tailor Soldier Spy?  Technically that is four questions and with that opening sentence I proclaim that I was thoroughly confused.  I went with my parents and two friends, we all had trouble remembering the name of the film we were about to see (never a good sign) and resorted to calling it Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang.  We became so accustom to its new name that we almost asked for tickets to that film.

I honestly I just don't get it.  The picture was grainy, the plot was slow and confusing but I will say the costumes were good.  As you can see I'm having trouble even writing this review.  I sat through the film wondering if everyone else was as lost or confused as I or was or was I just missing something?  Although I did pick up that two of the characters were gay I just can't remember which ones...  Fortunately all five of us were completely confused and while in the lady's room discussing it further three women behind us over heard and agreed.  I could breath a sign of relief that I was not alone.