This Property is Condemned

Note: Originally written in March 2015

Often great romances have an innate tragedy and a greater innate sensuality lurking in them. This is surely one of those tales. Two naive and innocent souls trapped in dirty waters of their respective kinds face off, and naturally fall for each other, deeply, passionately and irrationally. Robert Redford plays a rail road supervisor who has to dole out pink slips but is actually one who can see through people for what they are. Natalie Wood plays Alva, who is the love of the rickety old town, for all the wrong reasons and is yet, madly waiting for a knight in shining armor. Naturally, the two fall in love, make plans and misunderstandings and tragedy ensue. Again, this is one of those movies that has driven narrative styles into new dimensions from the confines of its times. Much credit of that goes to Sydney Pollack. And as is often with such great romances, the beauty of the intimacy while it lasts, is haunting.

Catch more on the film at IMDB and Letterboxd.