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Stefan Zweig wrote tales of obsessions (Amok, Royal Game), and this is one of his creations. The problem with obsessions as a theme of literature (an by extension, of movies) is that there is very little room for character development...in fact there is no room for development of any kind. The obsessed are to perish, consumed by their narrow, intense, cravings; thus obsessions lend themselves more to short stories than to novels, and indeed "A letter from an unknown woman" is based on a short story.
I had read the story as a kid, thinking I was as expert on matters of love which, of course, I was not. A few years after reading the story (and after experiencing love) I saw the film "A Letter..." and I was shocked. For one, I understood the story better, and was saddened by it; but in addition I gazed upon Joan Fontaine and became convinced that she was the most beautiful object in the entire Universe. I promptly fell in love with her and started hating Louis Jourdan, the sociopath who could have made her happy and did not. I saw the movie over and over, just to feast my eyes on Joan, and in the hope of a miraculously happy ending (that never took place).
Now, in what seems like a couple of hundred years, I revisited "A Letter..." and it still holds up. It is not as dramatic as when I was full of youth and hope, but the movie still stirs this old codger; and it does so strongly enough to allow me to recommend this dramatic tale, this fine classical film, to all who have not yet seen it.
Rating: -
LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN remains one of those cinematic masterpieces that has never gotten its rightful due. In Europe, it has been listed, in various cinema circles, as one of the 10 Best of Films. But, here, it has been unjustly ignored, perhaps due to its initial lukewarm public and even critical response. The superb Max Ophuls has directed a mood piece of substance, one that captures its milieu and time period with perfection. Joan Fontaine, who, at her best, was one of the best of American film actresses, here is remarkable, always capturing the changing character tones of a young woman growing into a lovesick woman. Louis Jourdan is impeccable as well.... the rogue, the handsome and dashing man who favors his romantic interludes over his composing acuumen. Everything is right in this film, and its black-and-white photography is expertly reproduced in the VHS version. Music and supporting players (including Mady Christians) add to the piece's effectiveness. It is a treasure of a film, a romantic work that eschews the pitfalls that make some moviegoers avoid love stories. Excellence is paramount.
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Smart of Joan Fontaine to produce this super-classy sudser as a vehicle for herself; she's never looked better. Max Ophuls brings his bittersweet Viennese romanticism to Hollywood, and the result is magical. Louis Jourdan's also ideally cast as the caddish pianist who causes Lisa to suffer, and suffer, and suffer, and suffer.... Mady Christians, star of Broadway's I REMEMBER MAMA and a tragic victim of the McCarthy era blacklist, shines briefly as Lisa's mother. On a par with LA RONDE and THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE... as one of the screen's greatest adult examinations of love.
Rating:  -
A deply moving and superbly downbeat tale of a womanslifelongobsession with a pianist. This is the type of film that requires your total attention.
The little non dialogue moments are rich and evocative.
I think this is one of Louis Jordan,s best roles.When Fontaine realizes that she is not even remembered it reminds me of the devastation of of Geraldine Page in " Summer and Smoke" Its not the same but a jolting heart event that will score the emotions of viewers.
Wouldnt it have been nice if Ophuls were to continue making films like this one.
Rating: -
Fontaine is at her best in this story of everlasting yet unreciprocated love. She is as memorable here as she was in Hitchcock's Rebecca. The whole movie is exquisite: first-rate performances, direction, photography, score. Warning: This video edition has a dreadful introduction by Roddy McDowall. Just fast forward and enjoy the movie.
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