Hammersmith Is Out

Hammersmith Is Out is a dark and unusual comedy-drama film released in 1972, directed by Peter Ustinov who also takes on a supporting role in the movie. Known for its quirky narrative and eccentric characters, the film brought together a star-studded cast comprising Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Peter Ustinov himself. This cinema piece is a unique blend of genres, pairing humor with the theme of existentialism and elements of mythology, which makes for an intriguing viewing experience.

The peculiar and stylish narrative of Hammersmith Is Out is loosely based on the Faust legend, a classic German legend about a man who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for knowledge and pleasure. In this modern retelling, the roles are creatively re-imagined, casting Richard Burton as Hammersmith—a cunning and sharp-witted psychiatric patient who purportedly possesses the ability to manipulate others with his enigmatic charisma and intellect. The movie begins with Hammersmith confined in a mental institution and plans an escape that relies on the complicity of a dissatisfied and naive nurse, played by Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor's character, named Jimmie Jean Jackson, exhibits a blend of vulnerability and ambition that makes her an easy target for Hammersmith's machinations. She yearns for a life beyond the confines of her mundane routine, and this desire makes her susceptible to Hammersmith's seductive promises of adventure and success. Taylor brings a sense of emotional complexity to her character, oscillating between victim and accomplice, as she becomes increasingly entangled in Hammersmith's schemes.

Richard Burton's portrayal of Hammersmith is both dynamic and inscrutable, a man whose motivations are as ambiguous as they are compelling. Throughout the film, Burton exudes an air of enigmatic charm and sinister intelligence, as his character orchestrates a series of events to exploit the weaknesses of those around him for his own amusement and personal gain. Burton's magnetic performance anchors the film, engaging the audience with Hammersmith’s cryptic agenda and mercurial temperament.

Peter Ustinov, in addition to directing the film, plays Doctor Ernst, the head of the mental institution from which Hammersmith escapes. His portrayal is a mix of seriousness and absurdity, often showcasing his character's oblivious nature in the face of the chaos swirling around him. With an eye for comedic timing and a penchant for subtle satire, Ustinov's Dr. Ernst provides a satirical counterpoint to the darker themes explored in the film.

Hammersmith Is Out is marked by its exploration of themes such as freedom, manipulation, and the gray area between sanity and madness. Throughout the movie, the characters grapple with their own notions of morality and ambition as they are drawn into Hammersmith’s orbit. The film also delves into the concept of the American Dream and its potential for corruption, using Hammersmith's pursuit of power and influence as a representation of that dream's darker side.

The cinematography and production design are noteworthy for their ability to create a shifting atmosphere that mirrors the film's tonal balance between comic and tragic elements. The aesthetic choices often emphasize a certain sparseness and eeriness, setting the stage for the characters’ psychological entanglements. The wide-open spaces of the American Southwest, where the story unfolds, serve as both a stunning backdrop and a metaphorical landscape emphasizing the isolation and alienation of the characters.

Where the film particularly stands out is in its dialogue and character interactions, as the script is laced with sharp wit and an undercurrent of philosophical musings. Each character's dialogue helps to peel back the layers of their personality, revealing their desires, fears, and complexities. The chemistry between the leads, especially the real-life Hollywood couple Taylor and Burton, brings an additional layer of intrigue to the story.

The supporting cast enhances the film with their contributions to the ensemble, featuring characters that range from the innocent to the diabolical. Every performance adds a unique dimension to the narrative, fleshing out a world that is often surreal and always engaging.

Summarily, Hammersmith Is Out is an atypical cinematic offering from the early ‘70s, a film that blends psychological drama with touches of black comedy, brought to life by the mesmerizing performances of its principal actors. It stands as a testament to the talents of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Peter Ustinov, both in front of and behind the camera. While it may not fit neatly into any one genre, the film offers a provocative and entertaining examination of human motives and the darkly comic consequences of their actions. Viewers who appreciate nuanced storytelling, layered performances, and movies that defy easy categorization might find Hammersmith Is Out to be an intriguing and memorable watch.