UNDERRATED MOVIES: "A NEW LEAF"

UNDERRATED MOVIES: "A NEW LEAF"

As we all know, Hollywood isn't a stranger to corruption; how many bad movies are pushed by mass media while some little gems are overshadowed by big blockbusters? This is the case of movies such as "A new leaf", written, directed and starring Elaine May. Elaine began her career in the 1950s as a comedian, and flourished as a director and screenwriter later. In 1971 gave life to a movie that, in my modest opinion, became a diamond among American noir-comedies. The elegant and pungent dialogues are exquisitely played by fabulous actors such as Walter Matthau, interpreting Henry Graham, Elaine herself in the role of Henrietta Lowell, Jack Weston, George Rose, James Coco and a brilliant William Redfield as Graham's lawyer.

The plot is simple but quite sophisticated thanks to the language expedients and the grotesque characters: Henry Graham, a noble bachelor living above his financial possibilities, wastes his unearned income left by his father after his death. Almost bankrupt he asks his uncle Harry for a loan that he promises to pay back in six weeks, or he will see himself deprived of all his possessions. After a "clever" conversation with his butler Harold, Henry sees marrying and killing a wealthy woman as the only chance to continue his life lonely and rich. Right when time is about to run out, Henry meets Henrietta at a tea party hosted by some well-off friends. From this moment on Henry will start courting Henrietta until the two tie the knot. Even though Henrietta is a clumsy, disorganized, not attractive but well-educated and for certain aspects "primitive" woman, she will be able to nurture and value Henry's emotions and skills hiding behind his brusque and stony mask. 

I highly recommend this movie to anybody who didn't even know about its existence; you won't be disappointed! I will soon talk about this movie in a YouTube vlog. Thank you for reading, I wish you all a great day! Martina.