Film Overview"Marjorie Morningstar" is a 1958 American drama romance film directed by Irving Rapper. The screenplay by Everett Freeman takes its framework from the 1955 novel of the very same name by Herman Wouk. The film stars Gene Kelly and Natalie Wood, who bring to life the detailed romance in between the main characters, Marjorie Morgenstern and Noel Airman.
Plot SummaryThe film follows the journey of Marjorie Morgenstern (Natalie Wood), a young Jewish lady who desires become a starlet against her moms and dads' conventional expectations. Upon encouraging her parents to let her work at a summer season resort, she adopts the stage name "Marjorie Morningstar". At the resort, she meets and falls in love with Noel Airman (Gene Kelly), an older, charming, however struggling songwriter and director, also working there.
Complex Characters and RelationshipsMarjorie and Noel develop an extreme but volatile relationship, originated from their opposite backgrounds and perspectives on life. Marjorie is captivated by Noel's non-traditional lifestyle and creative outlook, contrasting her sheltered upbringing. On the other hand, Noel is mesmerized by Marjorie's youth, innocence, and her goals. Nevertheless, their relationship is turbulent, with Noel's personal failings and uncommitted nature causing several breakups and reconciliations.
Improvement and ResolutionAs time advances, Marjorie evolves from a naive girl to a more mature and self-aware lady. She eventually understands that she and Noel, in spite of their love, want different things from life. The poignant climax reveals Marjorie breaking up with Noel for the final time. They both acknowledge that their wellbeing depended upon them carrying on. Marjorie goes back to New York City and ultimately marries a previous sweetheart, a legal representative named Sandy, conforming to the way of life her moms and dads longed for her.
Themes and Reception"Marjorie Morningstar" checks out styles like love, dreams, societal expectations versus personal goals, and the discoveries of self that come with maturity. It reveals the yank of war in between social norms, personal dreams, and reality. The film received a combined reaction from the audience; some slammed the plot modifications from the novel and Gene Kelly's casting as a more youthful guy, while others admired the movie's exploration of individual issues and Natalie Wood's performance.
The film "Marjorie Morningstar" provides a sense of drama and self-questioning into its characters' minds and feelings, making it a romantic drama that remains in memory even after completion of the tale. With its captivating story of dreams, improvement, and truth, the movie presents an impressive portrait of the battles that include growing up.
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