The Comedians

The 1967 film "The Comedians" is a fascinating descent into a commercially unexplored theme of its time - the turbulent atmosphere of a politically ravaged post-colonial Haiti under the rule of the brutal dictator François Duvalier (nicknamed ‘Papa Doc’). The movie boasts of an illustrious star-studded line-up, featuring the magnificent Richard Burton, the captivating Elizabeth Taylor, and the incredibly versatile Alec Guinness.

Directed by Peter Glenville and produced by his own production company Peter Glenville Productions, "The Comedians" is adapted from the compelling novel of the same name by Graham Greene. The novel is famous for Greene's characteristic examination of political unrest, moral dilemmas, and human contradictions, all of which the film attempts to translate to the cinematic medium with varying degrees of success.

The story is an earnest portrayal of a group of disparate characters, lost in their own turmoil. Each offers a different perspective about life, layered with eccentricities and complexities, enabling the narrative to offer a deeper critique of the sociopolitical scenario of the time. Burdened by their personal neuroses, conflicts, desires, and forbidden romances, these characters are 'the comedians' who ironically navigate the grim reality of Haiti.

Richard Burton, whose brooding charisma consolidates his position as one of the finest actors of his generation, is the embodiment of Graham Greene's quintessential hero. Playing the role of Brown, a disillusioned hotelier, Burton masterfully captures the nuanced moral crisis of his character with a stoic yet palpable intensity.

Elizabeth Taylor, as the American ambassador’s wife, is at her radiant and glamorous best. She plays Martha Pineda, a married woman arrayed in the discontentment of her loveless marriage and engaged in a concealed affair with Brown. Taylor’s expressive acting breathes life into the multifaceted persona of Martha, portraying her sorrow, longing, and resilience with an astounding credibility.

Alec Guinness is Mr. Smith, an eccentric vegetarian resistance fighter, advocating plant-based diets to countries suffering from starvation. Guinness, with his exceptional acting prowess, adds an abstract depth to his character. His performance portrays the idiosyncrasies of Mr. Smith with a sense of endearing mildness, countering the serious underpinnings of the movie’s theme.

Equally worthy of mention is the remarkable supporting cast that includes the likes of Peter Ustinov, who delivers a charming performance, and Lillian Gish, who elegantly carries the role of Mrs. Smith.

Set against the backdrop of the politically volatile environment of Haiti, the movie is punctuated by occasionally violent scenes depicting the harsh realities of living under a ruthless dictatorship. However, it is in the more intimate scenes, the dialogues between the characters, the covert glances, the stolen kisses, and painful confessions, that the director Glenville truly captivates his audience.

The cinematography by Charles Lang complements the narrative with visually impactful frames that project the atmospheric aesthetics of Haiti in play with its dark, politically grim undertones. The music score by Laurence Rosenthal reinforces the emotional resonance of the film and the unique atmosphere of the settings without overwhelming the narrative.

"The Comedians", while not without its dips in pace and minor flaws, is largely a thought-provoking exploration of personal struggles juxtaposed with political strife. The film is a feast for any movie enthusiast who appreciates stellar performances by an ensemble cast and a revelatory illustration of a gripping historical backdrop. It may fall short of consistently holding the viewer's attention but is nonetheless an excellent showcase of compelling storytelling, incisive commentaries on political structures, and introspections of flawed human emotions.

"The Comedians", in its entirety, remains a seminal movie of the 1960s for its brave exploration of then-taboo themes and its commendable performances by a formidable cast. Ultimately, it is an intriguing snapshot of a grim yet compelling chapter of modern history, narrated through the eyes of these poignant 'comedians'.