Wyler's Masterwork

Rating: Null/10 (12 March 2002)

This film reveals Wyler's and his studio craftsmen's absolute mastery of American film art. For young film makers there could be no better textbook. In its interwoven narrative of the struggles and triumphs of three veterans and their loved ones, it is controlled brilliance -- no showy stylistic devices or artificiality, just solid, honest story- telling. In the scene of the nervous homecoming of the sergeant-banker, (supposedly reflecting Wyler's own post-war return to his wife), the blocking and balance is as precise and evocative as that of a great painting. The fine balance of joy and anxiety projected by March and Loy in their quiet scenes illustrates classic American film acting and directing. The scene in Butch's bar, as Homer plays the piano,Al looks anxiously on, and in the background Fred calls Al's daughter to break her heart and his, is an amazing piece of deep focus film construction, telling three stories at once and interconnecting them emotionally. American film making just doesn't get any better.