17 Aug Review – Of Human Bondage

FlixFling contributor, Alexandra Gibson reviews Of Human Bondage

In most cases, when characters seem confused about the direction their lives are headed, they drop what they are doing, quit the jobs their parents wanted them to get, and go on journeys of self-discovery, often moving to Europe or becoming artists.  In Of Human Bondage, the main character does exactly the opposite.  Played by the sometimes dashing, sometimes whiney Leslie Howard. When Phillip Carey is told his artwork is mediocre, he throws down his brushes and follows his father’s footsteps into medical school.  As such, he is a romantic in a world of scientists, and it does not work well for him.

Adapted from W. Somerset Maugham’s novel by the same name, Of Human Bondage follows Carey through his stunted relationship with a horridly bratty waitress Mildred, played by Bette Davis.  In return, Mildred is selfish and cruel to Carey for years as she spirals towards her sad end. This is a film during which you wish it were possible to reach through the screen, slap the main character, and yell “You’re smarter than this!”  It is frustrating to watch, but not without it’s merits.  After all, any film with Bette Davis is better than no film with Bette Davis.

However, if you are looking for a spunky love story for a sunny afternoon, you won’t find it in Of Human Bondage.  Like many of W. Somerset Maugham’s works, most pointedly The Painted Veil, this film can be described as melancholy.  If you want your life to look good in comparison, or you like films that make you sad (sad is happy for deep people), this is the one for you.

http://youtu.be/uUF9PXGZFsY