The Visit (1964)

What makes it different from others?

Waste of time

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

If you've never seen an Ingrid Bergman movie, do not start with The Visit. I'm not going to tell you the plot, but I will give you that warning. Rent Casablanca or Gaslight or Saratoga Trunk-just don't rent The Visit. So, since I'm not going to tell you the plot, what can I say to recommend this tense, exciting drama? In the opening credits, Ingrid Bergman's entourage is credited: Wardrobe designed by Rene Hubert, Executed by Nina Ricci, Makeup by John O'Gorman, Hair by Giorgio of Rome, Furs by Maurice Kotler, and Jewels by Bulgari. If that seems excessive, it's only because you haven't seen the movie yet. Ingrid is breathtakingly beautiful, more beautiful than in any other movie. Her exquisite costumes, furs, hats, and jewels fit right in with her character; she even has a pet cheetah! Not only does she command attention by her physical appearance, her performance in The Visit is perhaps the best of her career, rivaled only by my sentimental favorite, Gaslight. Anthony Quinn is the male lead in the film-both Tony and Ingrid were co-producers of the film-and while it's impossible to take attention away from Ingrid in this movie, his performance is also very good. Ingrid is such a larger-than-life woman that often she overshadows her leading men. Tony can not only stand up against her energy, but he has an abundance of his own to give. Fans of unsettling films like A Farewell to Fools will find a new favorite in this stylized classic. It will leave you wanting more, and it will drain you. And, in the day and age of the feminist resurgence, it could easily be remade with any number of Hollywood icons vying for the lead.Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since there's an upsetting scene involving an animal, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

I'd call it a must-see, a drama full of the darkest of humor. Ingrid Bergman is steely cold as Karla; Anthony Quinn marvelous as the hapless, desperate Serge. The townspeople are wholly believable in their blind hypocrisy. Although changed from the original play, the ending is just as powerful, showing how easily one can abandon one's conscience, turn against others, and justify one's own worst deeds.

a play. great performances. nuances of acting as fireworks. bitter and clear and ambiguous atmosphere. two great actors in a fight about revenge, power and the force of past. a seductive story about a return who change life of community and defines options. Ingrid Bergman seems be the perfect choice for Clara. Anthony Quinn, far to give something real new, has a beautiful mixture of pride and humility, vulnerability as answer to profound cold fierce. a film who reminds moral laws and the lost of innocence behind the truth. a film who reminds the Old Testament episodes and who reminds the idea of justice in a special angle. a Durrenmatt - a lot of questions and the need of honesty for yourself. a special couple. and a beautiful film.

Even though the movie itself wasn't that successful and some critics even stated that it was one of the greatest film-flops in the history of Hollywood and Ingrid Bergman's career, I can just say: Non-sense!!Of course, it IS a challenge to see Ingrid, the lovely Ilsa Lund from Casablanca or funny Anna Kalman from Indiscreet, in the part of the revengeful BAD Lady but oh, what a GREAT challenge!! It is a pleasure to watch her unused cynical and sarcastic behaviour. Even though she starred Carla Zachanassian differently than the book-character, she does an awesome job. It's a pity that she didn't play more such "bad" parts, which she can realize just perfectly!!A must-have for people who just think of Ingrid Bergman being GOOD from head to foot ;) ...