The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing

The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing, produced in 1955, is a sumptuous biographical account of the most intriguing love triangle of early 20th-century New York High Society. The film boasts an all-star cast that includes veterans Joan Collins, Ray Milland, and Farley Granger. Its direction is credited to Richard Fleischer, a gifted auteur who constructs stunning melodrama around an unrelenting quest for love, power, and the subjective idea of innocence.

The movie is inspired by the life of Evelyn Nesbit, a renowned chorus girl and model of her time, who becomes embroiled in a delectable yet tragic tale of amour fou, which shook contemporary society to its core. Past the opening credits, viewers are introduced to this beguiling lead character, embodied perfectly by Collins. Evelyn Nesbit, despite her humble origins, captivates one and all with her beauty, sweeping the viewer off their feet just as surely as the men in her life.

Ray Milland plays the character of the millionaire architect, Stanford White, who eventually becomes smitten by Nesbit’s allure. Milland portrays his character with unforgettable intensity, as a man of worldly wisdom and sophistication almost bordering on decadence, captivating the audience with his potent portrayal of deep obsession and quiet control. His manifold interactions with the much younger Nesbit soon weave a web of desire and domination, which sets the stage for the turbulence to follow.

Enter Harry Kendall Thaw, played by Farley Granger, a wealthy Pittsburgh playboy with a fierce possessiveness that is mirrored by his passion for Nesbit. Granger renders his role with such unflinching realism that the viewer is left cringing and overwhelmed by the scenes of his manipulation and control. Thaw's unpredictable and violent temperament, coupled with his irrational fixation with Nesbit, puts him at odds with White, spiraling the trio into a whirlwind of love, jealousy, and conflict.

The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing is also notable for its remarkable set design and cinematography that emulate the splendor and excesses of the Gilded Age. Every frame is akin to a painting from a bygone era - from the opulence of Stanford White's townhouse to the extravagance of the roof garden theatres and lavish parties, the aesthetic appeal of the movie is undeniable. Kudos must be given to the costume department for the painstakingly accurate recreation of the period's sartorial elegance, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the storyline.

The red velvet swing referenced in the film’s title serves as a pivotal yet symbolic element. It visualizes the oscillating life of Evelyn Nesbit, swinging between two men who are obsessed with possessing her and the tragic aftermath of these men's unchecked desires. It also subtly represents the societal expectations and the inequalities women like Nesbit faced in their pursuit of a better life.

Above all, the film poses thought-provoking questions about the power dynamics in relationships, the objectification of women and the tyrannical possession they were subject to, under the guise of love. Each character is nuanced, none strictly black or white, akin to real human beings who are an intertwining of both strengths and flaws.

In conclusion, The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing is a compelling watch, a classic piece of cinema that dips into the well of history to bring forth a captivating narrative that is equal parts seduction, obsession, and despair. The screenplay places a flashlight on the dark crevices of human emotions, while the exceptional performances delivered by Collins, Milland, and Granger successfully keep the viewer hooked till the very end. Moreover, its visually captivating portrayal of the high society of yesteryears and the meticulous detailing which went into recreating the era make it a must-watch movie for any cinema lover. If you are bewitched by tales of tumultuous love, unbound ambitions, and the human psyche's intricate enigma, then The Girl In the Red Velvet Swing deserves a place on your watchlist.