Hemingway and films

[zen007]

Ernest Hemingway's books have adapted to the screen, giving us many memorable films ... Which ones are your favorites?

For quick reference, below is a selected list of films based on Hemingway's work, in the order of release:

• Farewell to Arms (1932)
• For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943)
• To Have or Have Not (1944)
• The Killers (1946)
• The Macomber Affair (1947)
• Under the Skin (1950)
• The Breaking Point (1950)
• The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)
• The Sun Also Rises (1957)
• The Old Man and the Sea (1958)

From the above, recently I watched Farewell to Arms (1932), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), The Killers (1946), and The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952). The rest, I watched a long time ago to talk about them ... All of them are good with The Killers and For Whom the Bell Tolls standing out relatively.

[zen007]

Film: For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943)
Director: Sam Wood
Oscars: 1

A language teacher and dynamite expert, volunteering for the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, is tasked to blow up an important bridge. Note this is not a film to learn about the Spanish Civil War.

• Story/Screenplay: The goal/mission of the film is well defined, along with the motivations of the characters. The power struggle within the group is interesting. A substantial part of the film is devoted to romance as well, which makes the film appear less focused at times. (8/10)
  
• Acting: The acting is appropriate for the film. Most of those playing Spanish characters display passion. Katina Paxinou won the Oscar for the best-supporting actress for her portrayal of Pilar. (8/10)
  
• Cinematography: The Sierras, serving as Spain, help to make the film visually pleasing. The lighting in the cave is handled well. The colors make the outdoor segments shine. There is a painterly feel to the film in many segments. (9/10)
  
• Background score: The score incorporates Spanish music elements, making it a good listen overall. This was the first complete score for an American film to be issued as a record. (9/10)
  
• Direction: The film feels relatively modern for an early 40s film, providing a good visual and aural experience. However, it has pacing issues as well. (9/10)
  
• Uniqueness/Impact: If an Indiana Jones film were made in the 40s, it could have been like this one. Gary Cooper's outfit (and he teaches as well) reminds you of Dr. Jones. The last 30 minutes make you recall the Meteora sequence in For Your Eyes Only. As mentioned, the film feels relatively modern for an early 40s film. (7/10)

Overall score: 50/60 = 83% = 8.3/10 (Great 9-10; Good/Above Average 7-8; Average 5-6; Bad/Below Average 3-4; Worst 1-2)


PS This film can benefit from a better restoration and a 4K release.