Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)
Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Genre: Drama
Director: Jerry Schatzberg
Starring: Faye Dunaway
Language: English
Duration: 105 min.
Rating: 7.2  

Summary:
When visited by an old friend hoping to make a film about her, a former fashion model recovering from a mental breakdown reflects on her rocky past and relationships. TTVRQJ3DEQAR



Puzzle of a Downfall Child is the debut feature film from fashion photographer turned director Jerry Schatzberg, based on the story of 1950s fashion model Anne St. Marie. Originally released in 1970, the film was recently restored and screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Somewhat of a lost gem of the 70's, Puzzle of a Downfall Child hasn't been available for home viewing until now. Faye Dunaway is totally captivating as Lou Andreas Sand, a beautiful but mentally unstable young woman, once a top fashion model and now living as a recluse in a beach cottage on Long Island. She shares cloudy memories from her past, some real but mostly delusions, when an old friend planning to make a film about her life stops by.

Besides the strong central performance, there is gorgeous cinematography, filled with interesting closeups, plenty of amazing stills, and lovely framing; and some interesting editing as the narrative randomly follows Sand's troubled mind as she struggles to recall the true details of her life.

It's an intriguing debut from Schatzberg who would go on to win the Palme d'Or in 1973 for Scarecrow. However it is far too disjointed, and as much as Dunaway makes it a pleasure to watch, the protagonist is difficult to sympathize with. So the film lacks any real emotional resonance. In the end it's a bit like watching a mock train wreck. 

Bonjour Tristesse

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)

12 comments:

The Angry Lurker said...

I had never heard of it before this, Faye Dunaway was always a favourite of mine...

Margaret said...

Great review, I never heard of this movie, which is weird because I absolutely love Faye Dunaway.

d_4 said...

Yeah, won't go out of my way, but since it's restored, it might be around. If I can get someone to lend me it, I'll give it a watch.

Max Covill said...

I love Faye Dunaway in Network and Bonnie & Cylde, so it would've been fun to check this out. Too bad it doesn't live up to her name at least. 

FrontRoomCinema said...

I am just popping in to say HI. I have been manic this week, and I still am in changing my theme. This also means editing all the posts to fit the new size and look good... GRRRR

Hope you are well

Jack Deth said...

Hi, Bonjour and company:

Faye Dunaway is always lovely to watch and in this film, she seems to be exploring areas that would come strongly to the fore in 'Mommy, Dearest'.

Lush cinematography too. In a film that looks great, but doesn't quite make it.

Thanks for mentioning 'Scarecrow'. Some of Pacino and Hackman's best work!

PS: Drop by 'FlixChatter'. I've a guest review I think you may enjoy.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 Yeah for some reason this one seems to have been forgotten until  now.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks. I do recommend checking it out if you are a big Dunaway fan

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 I hear ya.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 She is great in it.  The story just didn't click with me.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yikes. Editing every single post? I feel for you.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Jack. I haven't seen Mommy Dearest, but I agree Scarecrow is an excellent film.

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