The Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom is one of the finest representatives of early Hollywood cinema, released in 1932, and boasts an outstanding cast that includes Ann Harding, Leslie Howard, and Myrna Loy. This American pre-Code drama film was inspired by a play written by Philip Barry and was directed by Edward H. Griffith. This film achieves the rare aesthetic combination of excellent story-telling paired with impressive technical wizardry, rendered even more remarkable considering it was created in the early development phase of the cinema industry.

At its core, the film is about the complex dynamics of human relationships, love triangles, and the societal expectations of the time. The plot revolves around the character Tom Collier (played by Leslie Howard), showcasing his struggles and endeavors as he balances his relationships and his professional life.

Tom Collier is a wealthy, happy bachelor who leads a life full of hedonism and passion for art. His immersive love for literature and art propels him to run a publishing house; a venture not driven by profit motive, but instead by his fervent desire to promote good literature. He finds solace, companionship, and intellectual stimulation in Daisy Sage (Ann Harding), an illustrator, who is also his close friend and confidante. However, the stirring drama of the story comes into play when Cecelia "Cee" Henry (Myrna Loy), a sophisticated and affluent woman, enters the scene and Tom's life takes an unexpected turn.

The film embodies the classic portrayal of societal norms of the early 20th century, where economic stability and gentility often took precedence over love and passion. The conflict arises as Tom is torn between the love of his life, Daisy, and Cecelia, who symbolizes societal respectability and material comfort. The plot unfolds as Tom navigates the intricacies of relationships, desire, duty, and his aspiration to live life on his terms.

Leslie Howard gives a stellar performance, bringing to life the complex facets of Tom's character with his nuanced acting. He effectively portrays Tom’s emotional turmoil and his internal conflict. Ann Harding, as Daisy, brings forth a riveting portrayal of a woman in love who tries to find her place in Tom’s life, effectively capturing the audience’s empathy. Myrna Loy, on the other hand, breathes life into Cecelia, brilliantly portraying the complexities of a woman who desires Tom not just for his wealth, but also for the man he is.

The Animal Kingdom makes the audience question the intricacies of relationships, societal norms, and the human tendency to navigate towards comfort over passion. Much of the film’s charm is derived not merely from its primary plot points but rather from its intricate character development, the underpinning societal themes, and its evocative portrayal of the era it is set in. It is not only a story of emotional turmoil and love, but it also invites a deeper inspection of the societal pressures and expectations that often direct human lives.

Moreover, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the artistic milieu of the time and its relation to business. Tom’s struggle with the publishing firm illuminates the eternal battle between art and commerce, and how the latter frequently manages to overshadow the former.

The cinematic brilliance of The Animal Kingdom doesn't merely lie within the confines of its acting performances, script, or plot development. The movie also demonstrates an impressive and judicious use of early cinematic techniques. The film's atmosphere is strikingly captivating and successfully transports the audience back to the early 20th-century bourgeois society.

To conclude, The Animal Kingdom represents a beautiful and poignant exploration of life, love, ambition, and societal expectations. Its enduring legacy lies within its timeless narrative that has captivated audiences for generations and continues to remain relevant even today. The film also offers an opportunity to appreciate the early efforts and achievements of the Hollywood film industry, and the remarkable talents of actors like Leslie Howard, Ann Harding, and Myrna Loy.