The Crucible . Tucson Weekly . 01-02-97

The Crucible

DIRECTED BY: Nicholas Hytner

REVIEWED: 01-02-97

This filmic redux of Arthur Miller's theatrical parable is somewhat out of place on the modern landscape. What was no doubt a powerful and emotive effort in the 1950s, when it was written as a scathing critique of Senator McCarthy's crusade against supposed communist sympathizers, falls flat in the '90s. Because this element seems toned down in the film, it's impossible to tell the filmmakers' intent. If it bears political relevance, it's wide open for interpretation as to who the bad guys are. Yet the tale is far too pointed to serve as an historical note on the very real events in Salem. The story, roughly told, traces the Salem witch trials back to the antics of a group of bored (and later frightened) girls coming of age in the ascetic, Puritanical town. Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis star in this two-hour yelling match between good and evil. Not recommended for those with a low tolerance for '50s-style misogyny and moralistic posturing.

--Mari Wadsworth

Other Films by Nicholas Hytner
The Madness of King George
The Object of My Affection

Film Vault Suggested Links
Evita
Moll Flanders
Capitaine Conan

Rate this Film
If you don't want to vote on a film yet, and would like to know how others voted, leave the rating selection as "Vote Here" and then click the Cast Vote button.