The Long, Hot Summer

The Long, Hot Summer is a classic American drama from 1958, directed by Martin Ritt and stars Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Anthony Franciosa. It draws from three works by legendary author William Faulkner: the novella "The Hamlet", the short story 'Barn Burning', and the novels 'The Sound and the Fury' and 'As I Lay Dying'. Let's turn our attention to this vivid portrait of Southern life, bristling with intense drama and a simmering, sultry atmosphere.

Newman takes center stage as Ben Quick, a handsome yet drifter who is known as a barn burner, a label he carries due to his suspicious habit of leaving a trail of charred barns in his wake. Showing up in a quaint Mississippi town, Quick's very arrival rocks the boat, causing heads to turn, and eyebrows to be raised.

The wealthy yet ruthless patriarch of the town, Will Varner, portrayed masterfully by Orson Welles, spots an ambition and fire in Quick that reminds him of his younger self. Quickly recognizing his potential, Varner takes Quick under his wing, effectively providing the drifter a chance to change his fortunes and station in life. Quick begins to work his way into the Varner’s business and, eventually, his family heartstrings. In particular, Varner’s spinsterish schoolteacher daughter, Clara (Joanne Woodward), seems to have captured Quick's attention, adding yet another dimension to this layered tale.

The Long, Hot Summer proves a fascinating exploration of character dynamics across its runtime. Paul Newman's performance as Quick is both charismatic and deeply engaging, infusing a role that could be a standard anti-hero with additional layers. His chemistry with Joanne Woodward is palpable, and the romance thread of the story provides a noteworthy subplot.

Equally significant is the role of Will Varner, delivered with a menacing edge by Orson Welles. The patriarch is a complex figure, controlling and demanding yet rendered with enough nuance to prevent him from becoming a caricature. His relationship with his son Jody (Anthony Franciosa) provides a vital counterpoint to Quick's journey, juxtaposing the heir's lack of ambition against the outsider's grit and determination.

The supporting cast, including Anthony Franciosa, Lee Remick, and Angela Lansbury, all provide strong performances that enrich this complex narrative. And it’s worth noting that this movie marked the start of Newman and Woodward’s on-screen romance, evolving into a real-life love story that lasted half a century, lighting up Hollywood.

The setting is another vital character in the film, the sultry, sweltering Southern town acting as a perfect backdrop to the narrative's dramatic intensity. The use of the heat wave both physically and symbolically enhances the narrative, its oppressive presence reflecting the psychological heat the characters deal with. Director Martin Ritt skillfully uses this element, making the Mississippi town come alive on screen, and the excellent cinematography showcases the aesthetic beauty of the South while hinting at the simmering tensions beneath the surface.

The Long, Hot Summer is a film that combines the charm of old Hollywood with the powerful storytelling of Faulkner’s work. It features a fantastic cast, an intriguing narrative, and contextual dynamics that both entertain and provoke thought in equal measure. Driven by its character-centred drama, romantic tensions, and the incredible performances of its leading and supporting actors, the movie is well worth a watch for anyone interested in classic films, the charisma of its stars, and the timeless allure of a Southern Gothic narrative. The film showcases the friction between socio-economic classes, ambition, family dynamics, love, and aspiration, all spun into an engaging narrative that leaves a lasting impression.