Affair in Havana

The 1957 movie Affair in Havana, directed by Laslo Benedek, is an intriguing mix of romance, drama, and suspense, featuring notable performances by John Cassavetes, Raymond Burr, and Sara Shane. This film stands as a captivating representation of film noir from the Golden Age Hollywood, offering a textured tableau of human emotions interwoven with the bewitching allure of a city known for its zest and vibrancy - Havana.

The movie explores the life of an affluent and blind plantation owner, William Roark, impeccably portrayed by Raymond Burr, residing in Havana. Roark's inability to see doesn't rend him weak but makes him a compelling character possessing an uncanny knack for reading and understanding people. His world revolves around his young, beautiful wife, Mallory (played by Sara Shane), who presents a picture of an ideal, dedicated woman. The depth of their relationship is explored and examined throughout the film.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when John Cassavetes appears on-screen, embodying the character of a down on his luck Jazz musician, Nicholas 'Nicky' Bradford. Cue the sultry Havana nights infused with the rhythm and harmony of Jazz, and we get a character who's subtly drawn into the complicated and volatile dynamics of the Roark's marriage. As Bradford gets increasingly close to the couple, tensions build, resulting in a riveting, suspenseful plot that surely keeps the audience guessing.

Affair in Havana is a testimony to the craftsmanship of the director, Laslo Benedek, who combines the mystery and romance genres in an efficient way that wouldn't typically be seen in a film from the 1950s. The cinematography is captivating, providing a vivid portrayal of Havana in the 1950s, rich with bustling city life, sultry nightlife, glamorous casinos, and serene coastlines. Known for its distinctive cultural fusion, the movie captures the essence of Havana’s pulsating music, dance, and ethos, making it perform as a character of its own in the narrative.

John Cassavetes gives a layered performance as Nicky Bradford. With his unique method acting, the character evolves from a carefree musician to someone embroiled in a complicated marriage, dealing with conflicting feelings, and finding his way through. The magnetism between Bradford and the lady of the house, Mallory, has an intriguing subtlety, working through implication and underplayed emotion, which adds more layers to their relationship and plot.

Sara Shane's portrayal of the tormented Mallory is riveting. Playing the quintessential woman of the 50s, her character is complex, where deep-seated frustrations, unfulfilled desires hidden behind a façade of marital obligation and societal norms begin to shape her life in unforeseen ways.

Raymond Burr’s Roark is the other pivot that the plot swings around. Despite playing a blind character, Burr enlightens the character with an almost rugged charm and cunning intelligence, enabling Roark to be aware of the reality unfolding around him beyond the physical sight. The role underlines the continual duels in which Roark engages – blinded, yet insightful, wealthy yet powerless, in command yet manipulated – which adds a unique dramatic fervor to the film.

The film's music, specifically the Jazz score, functions as more than just a backdrop for the scenes. The soundscape is an integral part of the narrative, marking emotional shifts, intensifying the suspense, and adding texture to the film's dramatic sections. As Bradford is a Jazz musician, music becomes a very intrinsic part of his life and, subsequently, the movie’s narrative.

In conclusion, Affair in Havana is a engaging blend of romance, mystery, and drama set against the mesmerizing and vivacious backdrop of 1950s Havana. Offering intense performances by a talented cast, the film's rich and suspenseful narrative resonates as an example of the captivating charm Hollywood held during its golden era. It is an experience not just of a film but also of immersing oneself in the vibrant life and rhythm of Havana, a city that dances to its own music and rules.