Au bout de la nuit

I must have seen this shortly after it came out, certainly in the early '60s. What I remembered was Mike's apartment and what went on there... what I couldn't remember was the name of the movie... when I saw Ralph Meeker in the Dirty Dozen I used the IMDB to methodically go thru his credits until I found this. You wouldn't believe how many movie 'experts' I've queried and come up empty looking for this movie's title... Now the big task is going to find a copy to view again, 30+ years later and see if I can exorcise these memories. All the so-called experts could suggest based on my recollections was The Collector with Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar. Both good, some similarities. See them both.

This movie is somber, downbeat, and really really weird. Many women hate this movie because of the ending. And for good reason. I guess you can say this is the kind of movie that leaves one with a bad taste in the mouth. It is the kind of movie where you want to scream at the characters--"what the hell are you doing?" But this film is hypnotic in its strange way. The performances are terrific, and the locations are stunning. They may not have been viewed that way 40 years ago, but today it is a kind of museum piece, very accurately capturing the atmosphere of New York City in the early Sixties. There is an excellent score by Aaron Copland, which was later released as "Symphony for a Great City." Since this was a low-budget movie, one really has to wonder how much he was paid to score this film. You also have to wonder why this movie was such poison for everyone associated with it. The author of the novel never wrote anything significant again. The director, Baker's hubby, faded away. Baker divorced him and Ralph Meeker hit the skids. Something Wild has many tragic dimensions, for both its characters and its stars.

Believe it or not, my mother took me to the drive in to see this movie with her in the early 60's. At the time the drive-in was the place to go to cool off during family arguments or in times of extreme boredom. I was only about 10 at the time, but now 40 years later I still remember this film, and researched IMDB to find it again. I have not seen a recent copy, and understand that it is not available for purchase, but I think it would be a fine addition to classic black and white film history, so I hope it is re-released on video or DVD. Even as a young girl I was haunted by Carole Baker's character, not understanding exactly what had happened to her, but realizing that the love she developed with Ralph Meeker was somehow sad, but sweet and deeply emotional at the same time. I remember how desolate the character of Ralph Meeker was, and his apartment reflected this barren soul. They were two people who hurt desperately, and could only relieve their pain by coming together and sharing their emotionally tortured souls. I recommend you watch this movie if you get a chance.

Written and directed by Jack Garfein, "Something Wild" is a gray-toned contemplation of the relationship between need and love. I think it is fair to say that some viewers will be disturbed by the story, which is about a young woman, Mary Ann (Carroll Baker, wife of the director), victimized and despairing, who meets a young man, Mike (Ralph Meeker), whose agenda is unclear.

The pathway from despair to hope, or false hope, is examined by this film in a dramatic and unconventional way. Contributing to the tone of the film are the B&W photography and the score by Aaron Copland.

The acting is terrific. Baker's and Meeker's characters may live in your imagination after the end credits. New York City plays its role as the vast backdrop to this dark tale.

One final note: Though they are only connected by the riveting performances of Ms. Baker, if you like this film, you may like "Baby Doll"--another distinctive and artistically risky film.

I had never seen 'Something Wild' and I tuned in late on TCM last night. Perhaps I shouldn't review this at all, but I was taken by the 85% of it I saw. Already I feel stupid. This is a very compelling movie with some of the best actors around N.Y. at the time. Two wounded people. One of whose wounds are very apparent and the other more mysterious. It's a love story, but one I've never quite seen before. Two people very vulnerable and troubled who come together in odd circumstance, but find a sort of destined relationship based on gentleness, safety and mutual need. What starts out as claustrophobic becomes a safe place, a room of one's own. Carroll Baker made some of my favorite films of that time, and her then husband Jack Garfein, who co- wrote and directed, brings a tragic personal biography to his work. Ralph Meeker, a very fine actor who never got the roles and acclaim he should have is superb in this as a character I've never seen before in any film. Yes, a lot of time is spent in one shabby room, but that is what its about, isn't it? Mildred Dunnock? Well there was never anyone like her. Aaron Copeland contributed a magnificent score and the cinematography is seamless with the story. Enigmatic ending, perhaps, but that's life. I found it perfectly true to the characters.