Crack in the Mirror (1960)

Crack in the Mirror Poster

A Story of two love triangles...

Introduction to "Crack in the Mirror"
"Crack in the Mirror" is a 1960 drama film directed by Richard Fleischer and written by Darryl F. Zanuck under the pseudonym Mark Canfield. It's kept in mind for its unique narrative structure and experimental method, presenting 2 parallel stories with the exact same stars playing different characters in each.

The movie stars Orson Welles, Juliette Gréco, and Bradford Dillman. The double roles permitted the actors to explore various elements of similar character types, with the mirror showing the contrasts and resemblances in human behavior. The motion picture dives deep into themes of love, betrayal, and the intricacies of the human condition.

Plot Overview of "Crack in the Mirror"
"Crack in the Mirror" unfolds two mirrored stories all at once. In the first story, Orson Welles plays Hagolin, a scruffy, older handyman who is having an affair with his employer's young mistress, Eponine (played by Juliette Gréco). Eponine is also included with her rich older benefactor, Lamerciere (Bradford Dillman). In this tale filled with passion and class differences, the love triangle emerges with extreme repercussions.

In the second story, Welles represents Lamerciere, a respected lawyer participated in an affair with the young and lovely spouse of among his customers, Florence (once again depicted by Gréco). Dillman plays Claude, Florence's partner, who is on trial for an undefined crime. Florence and Lamerciere's love affair guides through treacherous moral and legal grounds, as Lamerciere struggles to keep an exterior of professionalism during the trial of Claude.

In spite of the contrasting situations, both stories pivot on comparable styles of prohibited love, the quest for joy, and the harsh effects of deceit. As the film progresses, the lines in between the stories blur, producing an engaging commentary on the universality of human feelings and the frequently pronounced yet fragile balance in between right and wrong.

Thematic and Artistic Elements
"Crack in the Mirror" is distinguished by its thematic depth and creative development. By utilizing the very same stars in double functions within parallel stories, the movie examines how people can show comparable patterns in habits and conflict, regardless of their social standing or scenarios.

Making use of the mirror as a concept throughout the movie shows the duality of the characters and the choices they make. It recommends a deeper philosophical query into the idea of self, identity, and the human capacity for duplicity. Fleischer's direction, integrated with Zanuck's narrative structure, challenges audiences to consider how various life might be under alternate conditions.

Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Crack in the Mirror" received blended reviews. Critics generally applauded the efficiencies, especially those of Welles and Gréco, but some were divided over the film's experimental storytelling method, finding it either appealing or disorienting. Despite this, "Crack in the Mirror" has discovered a place in the record of movie theater as an early example of non-linear storytelling and character expedition.

In time, the film has amassed gratitude for its risk-taking and innovation, although it remains a lesser-known work in contrast to the more well known titles of the age. For lovers of timeless movie theater, "Crack in the Mirror" uses an absorbing research study of ethical problems and a glimpse into the filmmakers' ambition to push the borders of narrative cinema.

Conclusion
"Crack in the Mirror" is a thought-provoking film that bends conventional narrative structures to check out the complexities of human relationships. Even though it may not have achieved widespread recognition, the movie endures as an interesting experiment in storytelling that provides abundant character studies and a fascinating mirror on the nature of love and extramarital relations. Its dual narrative functions as a powerful reminder that, regardless of our varied scenarios, our shared human experiences frequently reflect back at us, creating a "crack" in the mirror through which we see ourselves and our actions.

Top Cast

  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Hagolin / Lamerciere
  • Juliette Gréco (small)
    Juliette Gréco
    Eponine / Florence
  • Bradford Dillman (small)
    Bradford Dillman
    Larnier / Claude
  • Alexander Knox (small)
    Alexander Knox
    President
  • Yves Brainville (small)
    Yves Brainville
    Prosecutor
  • Catherine Lacey (small)
    Catherine Lacey
    Mother Superior
  • William Lucas (small)
    William Lucas
    Kerstner
  • Maurice Teynac (small)
    Maurice Teynac
    Doctor