In This Our Life

In This Our Life, a classic black-and-white film helmed by celebrated director John Huston, is one of the most memorable offerings of the Hollywood Golden Age. This American drama, released in 1942, boasts a powerhouse of acting veterans, including the iconic Bette Davis, the graceful Olivia de Havilland and the charismatic George Brent. Entwining the elements of love, betrayal, self-destruction, and redemption, the movie offers an immersive journey into the American high society of the mid-20th century and is adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by author Ellen Glasgow.

In This Our Life primarily revolves around the tangled lives of two sisters, Stanley and Roy Timberlake, played by Davis and De Havilland respectively. They hail from an affluent family in Virginia and their lives are as different as chalk and cheese. Davis, as Stanley, is a vibrant yet flawed character, oozing charm and untrustworthiness hand in hand, while De Havilland's portrayal of Roy is of a righteous and kind-hearted woman. It paints a poignant picture of the resulting emotional turbulence in the face of conflicting values and desires.

Stanley is a woman of capricious temperament. Her unpredictable nature gradually unfolds as the movie progresses towards its climax. Her character is made interestingly complex through her selfish decisions, stirring animosities and entanglements. Davis' captivating performance as the manipulative Stanley adds to the esoteric charm of the movie.

The contrasting character, Roy, is a stronghold of morality and virtue. Following her heart, she exhibits a level of maturity that starkly contrasts her sister’s reckless behavior. Olivia de Havilland gives a heartfelt performance that effectively captures Roy's soulful persona. The imbalance of virtues between the two sisters sets the stage for an intriguing familial drama.

Amid these pivotal characters, George Brent plays Craig Fleming, a worthy counterpart who floats through the ebbs and lows of the sisters' lives. Brent’s character is portrayed as a man torn between love and responsibility. His nuanced act adds flavor to the narrative, intensifying the movie's dramatic appeal.

The complex family relationships existing among the Timberlakes are not only reflective of the opulent society of the time but also raise questions about morality, struck with the harsh realities of life. As the plot unfurls, it becomes evident that the affectionate tie of sisterhood can turn into bitter rivalry. The raw display of inherent sibling rivalry unfolds amid a backdrop of love, deceit, and manipulation, making this movie an intriguing watch.

In This Our Life carries Huston's trademark storytelling style, where flawed yet fascinating characters are portrayed in a realistic and empathetic light. Its multi-layered narrative showcases his capacity to handle an intricate plot that is well ahead of its time.

From a technical perspective, Ernest Haller's cinematography beautifully captures elements reminiscent of 1940s America. The film offers a window into quite suburban life juxtaposed with high society grandeur, with each set and costume staying true to the period's aesthetics.

The tightly-packed screenplay also deserves a special mention as it shifts between various life stages of the characters, reflecting on their decisions and actions. The subtle nuances and elements of foreshadowing in the script hint at the story’s progression without revealing it, keeping the audience hooked until the end.

Musically, the background score by Max Steiner complements the overall ambiance of the movie. Every crescendo and chord change aligns perfectly with the scene's emotion, enriching the viewers' cinematic journey.

In This Our Life is more than just a classic drama. It is a profound examination of human nature and societal norms, emphasizing the repercussions of untamed desires and unrestricted actions. Drawing fixation towards the intricacies of human emotions, this movie stands as an excellent representative of high-quality cinema from the Golden Age of Hollywood, artfully combining drama and dark realism.

Throw in some fantastic performances by the film's leading ladies and an expansive supporting cast, the film is a compelling watch for classic cinema lovers and a brilliant testament to Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland's versatility.