On February 4, 1961, United Artists released The Misfits to mixed reviews. While the movie today has a somewhat iconic status as the last completed film from movie greats Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, at the time of its release, not many people saw the movie about four losers struggling in the West. John Huston directed the film, which also starred Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach. Playwright Arthur Miller wrote the story for his wife Monroe, although the two became estranged during the filming of the movie.
Perhaps in 1961, viewers did not want to see a depressing black and white film, and even Gable initially had trouble understanding the film. But later critics have been kind to the movie, recognizing it for a story about modern society and the end of the old West. Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a 100% critics rating, while the audience rating of 79% still shows that viewers struggle a little with the movie.
A recent documentary, Making the Misfits (2002), explores the the subject of the movie and how it was made. Gail Levin directed the documentary, which features interviews with the only surviving lead star of the film, Eli Wallach. Below is part one of the documentary.
Here is part two of Making the Misfits. You might recognize the voice of the narrator, who is actor Brian Dennehy.
Here is the third and final part of the documentary. This part contains some interesting revelations about how they filmed some of the scenes with the horses.
What is your opinion of The Misfits? Leave your two cents in the comments.
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